Rugby League Today: Liverpool plans, Brits Down Under & integrity questions
What’s on site
A new Liverpool club is set to launch on the eve of Magic Weekend – and former Salford owner Marwan Koukash is one of the men behind it.
The frequent expansion talk is certainly ruffling feathers, and Bradford chairman Andrew Chalmers has questioned the integrity of Toronto’s “on the road” home games.
Remember when Adrian Morley was the sole British representative in the NRL? Not any more. And it certainly gives Zach Holland plenty to write about in the weekly Brits Down Under feature, now available.
Is there a storm brewing behind closed doors at Super League? Despite criticism of the regime less than a year in, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
There’s increasing prominence for the women’s game and our correspondent Seb Sternik has round-up this weekend’s action.
Don’t forget to catch up on our Championship and League 1 round-ups, as well as the Super League highlights.
What’s on social
How about this from community engagement from Warrington’s Blake Austin?
Great Initiative by Blake Austin to get kids active in Warrington! ?? pic.twitter.com/dLISXfFAjV
— Warrington Wolves Fans (@wire_fans) April 29, 2019
Don’t even care that this is one of our own tweets.
Nigeria Rugby League have unveiled their new shirt. ?? #rugbyleague
What a beauty! ? pic.twitter.com/oimqjxcTvN
— Love Rugby League (@loverugbyleague) April 29, 2019
Whatever happens in the future, nothing can take away rugby league’s fantastic, understated heritage.
Wigan RLFC team photograph taken in 1908/09 with the Lancashire Cup, Northern RugbyLeague Trophy, Lancashire Rugby League Trophy and the West Lancashire League Trophy pic.twitter.com/RwwBz21gPW
— NRDCollectables (@NRDCollectables) April 29, 2019
What’s in the papers
Bit late with this one, but some very considered points in The Guardian from Gavin Willacy on the Easter weekend and its aftermath.
Another bit of rugby league history featuring Wigan, as the St Helens Star looks back at St Helens’ defeat to Wigan in the 1989 Challenge Cup final.
If you missed it yesterday, our Paper Talk column rounds up the best from the weekly trade papers.
Birthdays
London Broncos hooker Morgan Smith is 21 today, and already has the same number of Super League appearances under his belt.
Also celebrating: Swinton’s Billy Brickhill (22); former Huddersfield forward David Faiumu (36); ex-Widnes and Leigh prop Adam Bibey (33).
What’s on TV/radio
7.10am – Super League Show – BBC Two
Trivia
Super League has been played at a total of 67 different grounds, including the Grand Final at Old Trafford.