Rugby League Today: Wakefield the underdogs, Albert has point to prove & Hull KR’s promising signing
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.
What’s on site
Wakefield winger Ben Jones-Bishop has been ruled out of the start of the season with an undisclosed medical condition.
Rob Burrow will play alongside former Leeds team-mates Kevin Sinfield and Jamie Peacock in Jamie Jones-Buchanan’s testiomonial match.
Editor James Gordon looks in depth in to streaming ahead of the TV deal in 2021 with his latest column.
We’ve had a look through this week’s trade papers. Mitch Allgood is set for a return for England, while Bradford are lining up a teenage talent from Super League.
Amateur club Thatto Heath Crusaders are raising funds after they were hit by an arson attack in the early hours of Sunday morning.
What’s in the papers
Leeds prop Wellington Albert says he has a point to prove on loan at Featherstone, report The Yorkshire Post.
Wigan full-back Zak Hardaker has picked out underdogs Wakefield as the Super League surprise package for 2020, report Wigan Today.
Hard work the key for Elliot Minchella as he looks to build on promising start at Hull KR, report Hull Live.
Danny Addy can’t wait to turn customary jeers into Leigh cheers when he pulls on a Centurions jersey for the first time later this month, report Leigh Journal.
Cameron Smith looking to cement his position in Leeds’ first-team, report Yorkshire Evening Post.
What’s on social
Something that rugby league does so well is honour its heritage. Other sports should take note.
My dad always said how proud he was to represent @Roughyeds
Great that the club values its past players. Good to see and I’m also proud to see it ???⚪️ #rugbyleague pic.twitter.com/sOl1DsNJET— Steven McCormack (@McCormackSteve1) January 3, 2020
Morgan Knowles is close to return to full training…
Woolf gives fitness update on his senior Saints and outlines the benefits of the warm weather training camp the boys will embark on this week! ??♂️☀️
Full interview, including an insight into his plans for our game against @LondonBroncosRL in the link ?https://t.co/1nCpDkImEI pic.twitter.com/cxEpQbIAbc
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) January 6, 2020
It’s a big shame that these type of hits are illegal nowadays.
First Monday of 2020 hitting us like… ?#FirstDayBack @SonnyBWilliams pic.twitter.com/ju2UHTPKPO
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) January 6, 2020
What’s on TV/Radio
Podcast: The Final Hooter International #2 – full-time report and analysis by Love Rugby League.
Episode 46: Love Rugby League Weekly, hosted by deputy editor Drew Darbyshire.
The latest Chasing Kangaroos – An International Rugby League podcast is available to download now.
The latest Howlin’ Hour podcast is available to download now. Toronto Wolfpack founder Eric Perez is a special guest on the show.
The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.
Birthdays
Castleford winger Derrell Olpherts turns 28 today.
Also celebrating; Barrow full-back Theerapol Ritson (24), Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart (53) and Nigeria Rugby League vice-chairman Ade Adebisi (34).
Trivia
Wigan hold the record for most Challenge Cups with 19, having appeared in 30 finals.