Rugby League Today: Ma’u ignored Hull warning, clubs could sue Catalans & Castleford’s triple injury blow
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.
What’s on site
Catalans coach Steve McNamara says the club knew the signing of Israel Folau was controversial – but are giving him another chance in rugby league.
Ex-Wigan prop Gabe Hamlin has been given a two-year ban after testing positive for cocaine he claims was passed on by a kiss from a woman who he met on a dating app.
Shaun Wane has taken over from Wayne Bennett as England coach, and here are his immediate priorities.
Israel Folau has begun training with his new Catalans team-mates in the south of France.
Veteran prop Fuifui Moimoi has signed a new deal with Workington for 2020, aged 40!
What’s in the papers
Steve Price says Blake Austin decided to leave the alleged eye gouging incident during last week’s defeat at Wigan on the field, report Warrington Guardian.
Castleford will be without three more players for the visit of Wigan on Friday night, report The Yorkshire Post.
Israel Folau breaks silence on Catalans move as Super League clubs take legal advice, report the Mirror.
Why Manu Ma’u chose to ignore Hull FC warning, his early impressions and big surprise, report Hull Live.
Super League clubs threaten to sue Catalans over controversial Israel Folau signing, report The Sun.
What’s on social
Why can’t clubs announce their squads numerically, not alphabetically?
? SQUAD NEWS ?
? @EllisRobson2 replaces the suspended @Chrishilly1987 in our 21-man squad for Thursday's Clash of the Champions against St Helens https://t.co/VzATjMb2qw
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) February 4, 2020
This is a brilliant interview with Hull FC forward Andre Savelio! To join our fantasy league, click here.
?️ "So Andre, what inspired you to put in such an impressive performance against Leeds?" ?
8️⃣5️⃣k? You sure @SuperLeague? #FantasySL ?
Full Interview ?
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) February 4, 2020
Silky from Sam Burgess.
Bit of speed in the legs back then. Big series this year for @England_RL https://t.co/z3tT1BZcui
— Sam Burgess (@SamBurgess8) February 5, 2020
What’s on TV/Radio
Matty Smith on Israel Folau, life in Catalans and Saints or Wigan? The first episode of The Last Tackle is out now.
Super League’s Out Of Your League podcast is back, featuring St Helens forward Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook.
Sky Sports’ Golden Point podcast is back, featuring Danny McGuire and Barrie McDermott.
Betfred have launched a magazine show called The Last Tackle on YouTube, hosted by Mark Pearson.
Tanya Arnold is joined by the stars of Super League to look ahead to the 2020 season in the first Super League Show of 2020.
Podcast: The Final Hooter 2020 #2 – Super League season launch.
The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.
The latest 5 Live Rugby League Podcast is out now, hosted by Dave Woods.
The latest Total Rugby League Show is available to download now, hosted by Ben Hughes.
The In Touch Show is out now by Betfred.
Birthdays
New Zealand and Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire turns 46 today.
Also celebrating; New South Wales coach Brad Fittler (48), Catalans prop Remi Casty (35) and Warrington’s new recruit Leilani Latu (27).
Trivia
Danny McGuire retired at the end of the 2019 season with the all-time record number of tries in Super League, with 247 to his name.
