Rugby League Today: Ref abuse, Sarginson try debate & World Club expansion
Photo courtesy of Richard Long
What’s on site
A Championship team will be in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup after Bradford were drawn against Halifax in the last eight.
Warrington coach Steve Price said he has the best pack in Super League, following their 26-24 win over Wigan in the Challenge Cup on Sunday.
Ian Watson revealed that seven Salford players have already been approached by other clubs for next season, in the aftermath of their Challenge Cup exit at the hands of Hull KR at the weekend.
Super League have revealed that the Dream Team will be announced at a new-look Man of Steel awards ceremony, which fans will be able to attend.
Get your hands on a Love Rugby League goodie bag in our latest competition.
What’s on social
Not a great look for rugby league, especially given the warnings dished out to players and clubs recently.
Just look at the actual state of this. Look at the abuse referee James Child gets. The contorted faces of rage spouting bile. Look at the bloke who arrives at the end. What an image for “the family game”…. 99% of fans are brilliant. We don’t need fans like this thanks. pic.twitter.com/4di9RqKDrf
— Rod Studd (@Rod_Studd) May 12, 2019
Looks like Jon Wilkin will be down the job centre this morning then…
“If this is ‘no try’, I give up on rugby league” pic.twitter.com/K9Fv6UuiPV
— Phil Wilkinson (@PWilkinsonWIG) May 12, 2019
We’re still laughing at this one from last week so had to share it again.
A Sniper in the trees catches Mick the Physio…
10 out of 10 for styling it out ??? pic.twitter.com/YF0M3c7Yc8— Wigan St Judes (@StJudesOfficial) May 4, 2019
What’s in the papers
London owner David Hughes wants to see all Super League sides take on NRL counterparts, akin to the doomed 1997 World Club Championship that was scrapped following the brief Super League war in Australia, reports The Sun.
In one of the more bizarre announcements of the year, Toronto Wolfpack have launched their own cannabis-based product, as reported in The Mirror.
An interesting piece on the current situation at Leeds in Forbes, as speculation continues over just what changes the Rhinos might make to turn their season around.
Birthdays
Former Warrington hooker Michael Monaghan, who returned Down Under following a spell as assistant coach at Wakefield at the end of last season, is 39 today.
Also celebrating: Halifax winger Will Sharp (33); Australia test forward Josh Papalii (27); France and Scotland international Andrew Bentley (34)
Trivia
Hunter Mariners won eight games in the 1997 World Club Championship, before losing to Brisbane Broncos in the final, in what was the Mariners’ only year in existence.
