Rugby League Today: New York to stage Test, Leuluai to play on, Fifita linked with Warrington
We have got a lot of speculation to run by you today.
What’s on site
Justin Holbrook says the rivalry between Wigan and St Helens is the biggest in Super League as the enemies prepare to battle it out.
Wigan coach Shaun Wane is confident that his side can beat old rivals St Helens on Thursday.
The latest ‘Final Hooter’ podcast is out now. Dave Parkinson and Adrian Jackson are back with Love Rugby League’s regular pod.
Matt Parcell and Jimmy Keinhorst are set to return for Leeds on Friday, while Widnes have made three changes. The 19-man squads have been announced.
Former Australia and New South Wales ace Luke Lewis will hang up his boots at the end of the 2018 season.
Junior Vaivai and Lee Jewitt are set to return for Hull KR on Friday, but Warrington will be without Bryson Goodwin and Ben Westwood. The 19-man squads have been revealed.
Belgrade is preparing to host the third European Youth Championships in which eight countries will take part.
Castleford duo Jamie Ellis and Nathan Massey will return on Friday and so will Huddersfield star Ukuma Ta’ai. The 19-man squads have been confirmed.
St George Illawarra Dragons have signed front-rower Korbin Sims from Brisbane Broncos on a three-year deal from 2019.
The latest ‘off the record’ gossip column is out now. Will Brad Dwyer leave Leeds? Will Danny Brough stay at Huddersfield? Which Fiji star might be coming to Super League? Find out more in this week’s gossip column.
The NRL is considering taking a one-off Test between Australia and Tonga to New York at the end of the season.
Leigh front-rower Jamie Acton has been banned for seven matches after pleading guilty to a Grade E intentional strike with his elbow.
What’s in the papers
Chris Hankinson aims to put spark into Wigan on whirlwind Super League debut, report the Mirror.
Tommy Leuluai set to play on for Wigan next season, report Wigan Today.
Are Warrington lining up move for Wakefield prop David Fifita? Report Warrington Guardian.
Justin Holbrook Q&A: James Roby, Wigan, headaches and Big Al, report St Helens Star.
Hull KR’s Tim Sheens on Todd Carney’s arrival, Justin Carney’s injury and Ryan Shaw’s surgery, report Hull Daily Mail.
Hull FC chairman Adam Pearson talks season frustration, squad strength and not falling into Middle 8s trap, report Hull Daily Mail.
Top four chasing Castleford won’t shy away from hard work vows Paul McShane, report Yorkshire Evening Post.
Leeds confident of filling big boots of Ryan Hall, report Yorkshire Evening Post.
What’s on social
What a drop-goal from Pat Richards!
Pat Richards was one talented kicker ?⚪
One of the best Drop Goals Super League has ever seen… saved for the Derby! pic.twitter.com/ibjGMdJ7wh
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 18, 2018
This has caused a big stir…
100% backing @liamfinn1983
As a heritage player, I am proud to represent my grandmother who was born and raised in Ireland before migrating to NZ.
I’m all for growth but cutting down heritage players is the wrong way to go about it.
“Everyone should aspire to play the best” https://t.co/hRGLIOPxsc
— Api Pewhairangi (@APewhairangi) July 18, 2018
Again…
As a heritage player, I can say I’m extremely proud to play for my Irish family name and grandfather!
IMO this is a bad decision/idea for Rugby League in Ireland as Finny explains!
Definitely a backward step after such a good WC and the team we have got together!.. ?? https://t.co/7PXAPIu50d— MickyMcilorum (@MickyMc88) July 18, 2018
And again!
Step backwards for Ireland after a successful World Cup. ?? https://t.co/R7pFZvuGZJ
— Brad Singleton (@bradsingo) July 18, 2018
Great to see…
With still over a week to go until #DerbyDay, we can confirm over 14,000 tickets have already been sold for the clash against Hull KR, with many home areas already sold out!
Read ➡️ https://t.co/lq0WMgOPhe
Buy Online ➡️ https://t.co/IgiHtIHPIb pic.twitter.com/BUSpfaX763
— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) July 18, 2018
What’s on TV/Radio
Super League Golden Point – 7.00pm, Sky Sports Arena
LIVE SL: Wigan Warriors v St Helens – 7.30pm, Sky Sports Arena
SL Highlights: Wigan Warriors v St Helens – 1.30am, Sky Sports Arena
5 Live Rugby League – 7.00pm, 5 Live Sports Extra,
talkSport 2 Live – including Super League – 6.00pm, Talksport 2
The latest Super League Pod is available to download now, in association with Love Rugby League.
The latest ‘Sport at Six’ podcast by BBC Radio Manchester’s Jack Dearden and Trevor Hunt is available to download now.
The latest Rugby League show on Proper Sport is available to download now.
The latest Whippets and Flat Caps podcast is available to download now, presented by Jon Wilkin and Mark Flanagan.
The latest 5 Live Rugby League podcast is available to download now, presented by Dave Woods.
The latest Rugby League on talkSPORT 2 podcast is available to download now.
The Final Hooter podcast by Love Rugby League’s Dave Parkinson and Adrian Jackson is now available to download.