Rugby League Today: Savouring the cup final, Cockayne leaves Hull KR and is it worth it?

James Gordon

What’s on site

Is it worth the sacrifice? That’s what one Championship coach has asked due to the ongoing uncertainty facing semi-professional clubs over central funding. It raises so many questions and issues and needs to be resolved quickly. But at the same time, clubs also need to learn to stand on their own two feet.

Some long-term supporters of the game say this is the worst they have ever known it. So it’s a good time to have your say in the rugby league fans’ survey, ran by fan insights, who are experts in the fan engagement field in football.

Castleford captain Michael Shenton has defended the decision to take his children out of school, as part of the club’s attempts to prevent any COVID cases that would rule players out of the Challenge Cup final against St Helens.

In this week’s Paper Talk, Wigan’s Willie Isa wants the booing to stop and a Wigan legend has made a tweak to training at his Championship club that has made an instant impact to their fortunes.

What’s on social

Mick Morgan was furious at England’s defeat in the Euro 2020 final.

’twas ever thus in the men’s game!

Ben Cockayne has left Hull KR by mutual consent after the recent disciplinary action against him by the RFL for tweets he made in relation to COVID-19.

What’s in the papers

Liam Watts has become the latest rugby league player to speak out about the state of the game. He told the Daily Express: “All the negativity and some of the RFL’s decisions are having a major effect on the sport. There are so many games in short periods and so much fatigue that the game itself is unattractive to watch at times. There is just no thought for players. You cannot keep asking boys to put tired bodies on the line.” (Daily Express)

James Roby says he will savour every moment of Saturday’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley, acknowledging that it could potentially be his last. The Saints skipper won his first three cup finals, before losing to Warrington in 2019. He said: “I know this could be my last chance and I’m going to try my best to savour it, but at the same time I don’t want to enjoy it too much because I’ve got a job to do.” (St Helens Star)

Birthdays

New Zealand international Kieran Foran, an NRL winner with Manly in 2011, celebrates his 31st birthday today (July 13).

Also celebrating: Rochdale winger Shaun Robinson (32); rugby league pioneer Artur Martyrosyan (42); former Warrington and Halifax utility Daryl Cardiss (43)

What’s on TV/radio

8.15am – Super League Show – BBC Two

9.15pm – Women’s Super League Highlights – Sky Sports Arena

Trivia

Sheffield won the inaugural 1895 Cup back in 2019, beating Widnes 36-18 in the final at Wembley.

Features Ben Cockayne

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