Rugby League Today: Leeds sign Thompson, coronavirus latest & birthdays

A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.

What’s on site

The GMB Players Union has accused the RFL and Super League of leaving Toronto Wolfpack players in the dark over the possible takeover of the Canadian club.

Super League has moved quickly to re-shuffle this weekend’s fixtures after six Hull FC players tested positive for coronavirus.

Hull centre Josh Griffin has responded to criticism of the club’s players on social media and says that no one is to blame for the coronavirus outbreak.

Salford chief executive Ian Blease has called on the governing body to increase the number of weekly coronavirus tests in Super League following this week’s outbreak.

Widnes hooker Logan Tomkins has signed a new two-year deal to remain at the club until the end of 2022.

What’s in the papers

Bodene Thompson has joined Leeds – because current Toronto coach Brian McDermott told him it was the best place to be, reports Yorkshire Evening Post.

Sonny Bill Williams to be set free from quarantine ahead of eagerly anticipated NRL return, reports The Guardian.

Ryan Brierley column: Biosecurity bubbles, Hull KR positives and why hard work will pay off, reports Hull Live.

Top priority is keeping everyone safe, says Saints coach Kristian Woolf, reports St Helens Reporter.

Hull FC owner Adam Pearson calls for ‘flexible’ approach to Super League season after positive COVID-19 tests, reports The Yorkshire Post.

What’s on social

Leeds have confirmed the signing of Bodene Thompson from Toronto on a deal until the end of the season.

Leeds Rhinos have announced the signing of New Zealand Bodene Thompson for the remainder of the 2020 @SuperLeague season
➡ Find out more here https://t.co/snRV3ltkPt pic.twitter.com/2QBBP5nkyz

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) August 13, 2020

Mose Masoe is an inspiration!

'Put me in coach!' @MoseMasoe with ball in hand once more, thanks to all the effort from the people down at @FlexHealth5! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1bnH4WFp9o

— Hull Kingston Rovers (@hullkrofficial) August 12, 2020

What a finish.

We got you covered again 😏👊@TomJohnstone01's ridiculous finish in slo-mo and multiple angles 😍🤯 #SuperLeague @WTrinityRL pic.twitter.com/laxcWo112j

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 12, 2020

What’s on TV/Radio

NRL Tonight – Watch NRL (9:30am)

LIVE NRL: Sydney Roosters v Melbourne Storm (10:55am) – Sky Sports Arena & Watch NRL

Late Show with Matty Johns – Watch NRL (12:45pm)

Podcast: The Final Hooter #7 – Toronto fans react to Wolfpack woes and the return of Super League.

Former Super League and NRL forward Keith Mason is this week’s guest on The Last Tackle. He talks about his switch to the NRL at 20 as well as his new rugby comic – Rugby Blood.

Sky Sports’ Golden Point podcast is available to download now.

The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.

The latest 5 Live Rugby League Podcast is out now, hosted by Dave Woods.

Birthdays

Former Halifax, Doncaster and Swinton player Martin Moana turns 47 today.

Also celebrating; Wests Tigers utility Moses Mbye (27), Cronulla Sharks prop Royce Hunt (25) and Italy international Jayden Walker (24).

Trivia

Middlesbrough will host one game at the 2021 World Cup, with the Riverside Stadium hosting Tonga v Cook Islands.

Listen to The Final Hooter podcast, featuring exclusive interviews, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on Apple Podcasts.