Rugby League Today: Latest gossip, Reserves situation and Ottio tributes
In the latest edition of Rugby League Today, we bring you transfer gossip, updates on Reserves teams and tributes for the late Kato Ottio.
What’s on the site
Former Great Britain and Bradford Bulls star Paul Sykes has been granted a testimonial by the RFL.
Feature – we have done a piece on who is the most successful team on Super League’s opening day…
Off the Record: Rugby League Rumours and Gossip – Frank-Paul Nuuausala’s exit from Wigan being unfounded.
Warrington Wolves and Hull FC are said to have abandoned their reserve teams ahead of the new season… Just six clubs have second string sides so far in 2018.
Castleford Tigers winger Garry Lo has paid an emotional tribute to international team-mate Kato Ottio as crowdfunding hits £5,000.
What’s in the papers
Papua New Guinea captain and new Catalans Dragons signing David Mead spoke to The Sun shortly after the passing of international team-mate Kato Ottio and said the centre ‘would have been a hit in Super League’ with Widnes Vikings.
He told The Sun: “Kato had all the physical attributes and was always in control and would definitely have played in the NRL. He was just very unlucky to not get a run with the good players he had in front of him.”
Kato Ottio’s Papua New Guinea team-mate and was soon to be Widnes Vikings team-mate, Wellington Albert, will receive counselling on back of the tragic incident.
Albert was due to fly to England with Ottio this week but has put back his arrival. Papua New Guinea coach, Michael Marum, told the Daily Star: “We will make sure Wellington is in the right mind before he leaves here.
“Currently his mind is not right so we are trying to give him assistance. Not only Wellington, but the other players as well.”
New Catalans Dragons recruit Micky McIlorum has revealed to Wigan Today why he decided to reject a move to the NRL… and it was because of his two dogs!
He told Wigan Today: “Nobody believes me but it is actually true.
“(Australia) was a bit far to go to take them.
“At Catalans, it’s not too far to get back home and it’s easy to get the dogs over.”
What’s on social media
Leeds Rhinos have unveiled a special edition shirt that they will wear in their World Club Challenge clash against Melbourne Storm in February!
Rhinos get new look for World Club Challenge clash with Stormhttps://t.co/levRo9d12W pic.twitter.com/aqDgeWCxfa
— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) January 11, 2018
Wigan Warriors winger Tom Davies had a blinder of a debut season in 2017 and remarkably, he has only just turned 21 years of age.
Wigan’s Tom Davies turns 2️⃣1️⃣ today!
1️⃣3️⃣ Tries
2️⃣3️⃣ Clean Breaks
5️⃣7️⃣ Tackle Busts
2️⃣2️⃣ GamesA decent debut season… ? pic.twitter.com/1lIiq0v5Cp
— Love Rugby League (@loverugbyleague) January 11, 2018
On the back of the news breaking that Warrington Wolves and Hull FC ditching their Reserves, England international Sam Tomkins had his say on the Reserves system on Twitter.
Rubbish to hear more Super League teams are scrapping the reserves.
We now expect players to be fully developed and ready for Super League at 19.
If not, you’re on duel reg (when available) and expected to develop and impress enough to break into your own 1st team from there ?— sam tomkins (@samtomkins1) January 10, 2018
I understand that a reserve set up comes out of the clubs pocket but surely if there’s anything worth investing in, it’s developing your own players?
— sam tomkins (@samtomkins1) January 10, 2018
Madness
— sam tomkins (@samtomkins1) January 10, 2018
What’s on radio
RugbyLeague on talkSPORT2
TalkSPORT.com, 4-6pm (Wednesday)
The podcast is now available to download on Apple Podcasts.
Last night, Love Rugby League were at the Crown Oil Arena, commentating on the Law Cup clash between Rochdale Hornets and Oldham Roughyeds. Feel free to listen the game back, commentary from Dave Parkinson.
