Rugby League Today: Silly season, Fonua’s Hull return, Leigh-united & win England shirt
What’s on site
It’s all getting a bit silly – Super League chief Robert Elstone hits out at comments made by Great Britain coach Wayne Bennett. No mention of Bennett talking up Super League on a par with the NRL though, interestingly.
Another week, another player returns to Leigh. Cory Paterson has come out of retirement to join them for the rest of the season. They couldn’t, could they?
Scott Moore has joined Swinton from Championship rivals Rochdale, with Kyle Shelford going in the opposite director.
Win an England shirt in our latest competition with Batchelors Mushy Peas.
Plenty of gossip in Off the Record, including the latest on Jackson Hastings, The Sun and Widnes.
What’s on social
This is about right.
Another day, another pathetic #RugbyLeague squabble. What an utterly pointless statement that was from Rob Elstone.
This endless bickering between @SuperLeague and @TheRFL will do more damage to any potential TV deal than the national coach talking up his players would.
— Gavin Wilson (@GavWilson) June 19, 2019
Paul knows…
The irony of this row is that Wayne Bennett was yesterday critical of those in the NRL who “don’t think there’s any other competition in the world”.
— Paul Bennett (@PaulBennettLW) June 19, 2019
Get on this in support of Jansin Turgut.
Now we have our brother back in the UK the hard work really starts for JT, Myself @joeylussick are gonna raffle off a signed offical SL ball, A 2019 ? top & a signed jersey by me, Joey and @jansinturgut himself! It’s only the beginning every penny helps. Ends Monday 12pm ❤️?? pic.twitter.com/fn6ew3BHP2
— Jackson Hastings (@JackoHastings) June 19, 2019
Again…
Surely Super League have more pressing matters to deal with? https://t.co/8MXPT4y89J pic.twitter.com/MBib5kpVwW
— Gemma Carter (@Gemma_L_Carter) June 19, 2019
Sad to see people that have turned away from the game, especially in expansion areas.
In the past I thought RL got a bad deal and there was some kind of conspiracy to keep the game down. Sadly, the game’s problems are actually 99% self-made and due to bad governance, terrible decisions, self-interest and politics. It’s depressing.
— Matt Anniss (@sellbydave) June 19, 2019
What’s in the papers
Hull have been linked with a move to bring back fans favourite Mahe Fonua, reports Hull Live. He left for Wests Tigers at the end of 2017 and is out of contract at the end of the season.
There’s an insightful and groundbreaking piece in The Guardian on women’s State of Origin, discussing the opportunity and history of the series.
Still nothing in The Sun, so short in this section today…
Birthdays
Former Melbourne and Widnes centre, Aaron Moule, turns 42 today.
Also celebrating: former Ireland international Liam Bretherton (40); Swinton hooker Luke Waterworth (23)
What’s on TV/radio
5pm – Rugby League Back Chat – FreeSports
7pm – Live Super League: London Broncos v Hull KR – Sky Sports Main Event & Arena
Trivia
Scott Moore was the youngest ever Super League player when he made his debut for St Helens at the age of 16 against Wigan in 2004.