Rugby League Today: Union legend almost joined Warrington, Leeds women’s game abandoned & Catalans fall out
What’s on site
The big talking point of the weekend was undoubtedly the ugly scenes that marred the game between Catalans and Warrington, with both clubs and the RFL issuing statements.
In the aftermath, both coaches criticised referee James Child, with Catalans boss Steve McNamara also frustrated at comments made by opposite number Steve Price.
It all distracted from the fact that the result meant that St Helens have now won the League Leaders’ Shield for a second successive season.
On Sunday, Hull KR picked up a vital win in their battle against Castleford, Danny McGuire kicking the winning drop goal in golden point extra time; while basement boys London suffered a heavy defeat against Salford.
Leeds picked up a crucial win at Huddersfield on Friday but it came at a cost, with winger Tom Briscoe set to see a specialist after suffering a knee injury.
The fixtures for the 2019 World Cup 9s have been released, for both the men’s and women’s competitions, with England and Wales both involved.
Outgoing St Helens coach Justin Holbrook admitted it had been an emotional week following their win over Wakefield.
What’s on social
Ireland and British Lions rugby union legend Brian O’Driscoll revealed in a twitter exchange with dual-code international Jonathan Davies that he was offered the chance to partner Andrew Johns at Warrington in 2005.
Warrington were on about teaming up with Joey Johns in 05. Now that was tempting!
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) August 4, 2019
Not a good look for rugby league, this.
No words pic.twitter.com/rDAPhGFcpp
— John Davidson (@johnnyddavidson) August 3, 2019
The RFL are asking fans to decide who the 1895 Cup final man of the match award will be named after.
#OURLEAGUE members to name 1895 Cup Final award!? Ray French MBE ? Willie Horne? Johnny Whiteley MBE Make your choice in 'Polls' on the app now ?bit.ly/2yw3z8G
Posted by Rugby Football League on Friday, August 2, 2019
Leeds’ women’s Super League game against York was abandoned on Sunday afternoon following a serious injury to Rhinos player Sophie Robinson.
Thanks for all the well wishes for Sophie Robinson. She is doing well and is currently in hospital after suffering a serious leg injury in today’s game against York.
Get well soon Sophie. pic.twitter.com/HnJ3cuoieZ— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) August 4, 2019
What’s in the papers
St Helens will look both home and abroad for a replacement for Gold Coast bound head coach Justin Holbrook, according to The Mirror.
There’s more footage of the unsavoury scenes in Perpignan on the Warrington Guardian website.
Birthdays
Catalans and France legend Thomas Bosc turns 36 today.
Also celebrating: ferocious Kiwi centre Steve Matai (35); Leeds’ blockbusting centre Konrad Hurrell (28); well-travelled full-back Shannon McDonnell (32); recent Hull KR signing Dean Hadley (27); Italy international Branden Santi (26).
What’s on TV/radio
10pm – Super League Full Time – Sky Sports Action
11.45pm – Super League Show – BBC One
Trivia
Andrew Johns played three times for Warrington on a short-term deal at the end of the 2005 season. He orchestrated wins over Leeds and Hull in two regular season days, but couldn’t stop the Wolves being beaten 40-6 in the play-offs.
