Sunday Social: Burrow’s big day, Valencia make history & Tamou fights the flames

James Messenger 12 Jan 2020 10:43 AM

It is time for Love Rugby League’s Sunday Social, your alternative recap of the serious and not so serious talking points from the past seven days.

History was made this weekend when Valencia Huracanes took part in their first ever match. The Spanish side were beaten 102-14 at Villajoyosa’s El Campo del Pantano.

And there goes the final whistle…@Los_Huracanes 14-102 Rovers

?| A massive thanks to everyone at Huracanes for inviting us to take part in this historic match for the Club

??| Best of luck in the future!#UTR | #TogetherAsOne pic.twitter.com/8PSjBzuDSp

— Featherstone Rovers (@FevRovers) January 11, 2020

Rob Burrow says it will be an honour to step back out onto the field in blue and amber when Leeds take on Bradford this afternoon. The game will be a joint fundraiser for Burrow’s fight against Motor Neurone Disease and Jamie Jones Buchanan’s testimonial.

? 'To wear the blue and amber and play with the best of friends, what better way to do that.'

? @leedsrhinos V @OfficialBullsRL
? 3pm

?‍♂️ @Rob7Burrow fundraiser
?‍♂️ JJB testimonial game

? Full commentary
? @BBCLeeds

? 92.4FM 774MW DAB
???➡️ https://t.co/pN3btiwJy8 pic.twitter.com/LJQ8cShaXF

— James Deighton (@rlwithjd) January 12, 2020

Wakefield will be bolstered this weekend by the return of second-rowers Matty Ashurst, centre Bill Tupou and England international Tom Johnstone. Injury restricted the trio to a combined 33 appearances in 2019.

? Who’s looking forward to seeing these three back on the left edge on Sunday?! pic.twitter.com/dyIxSx2Plg

— Wakefield Trinity (@WTrinityRL) January 9, 2020

Penrith Panthers prop James Tamou spoke about experiencing the devastation of the Australian bush fires first-hand. The 31-year-old helped defend properties around Braidwood, New South Wales.

James Tamou reflects on the eye-opening experience of facing the flames around Braidwood. Please join Jimmy at Saturday's Firefighter Fundraiser as we dig deep for the @NSWRFS ❤️??#AustraliaFires #pantherpride ? pic.twitter.com/hGfJi76iD7

— Penrith Panthers (@PenrithPanthers) January 8, 2020

Warrington’s Ben Murdoch-Masila looks in incredible shape ahead of the new campaign. ‘Big Ben’ will be hoping to force his way into Steve Price’s starting lineup, having made 75% of his appearances from the bench in 2019.

? Beast mode loading….@BMMasila11 coming to a stadium near you ? pic.twitter.com/GVUOhpcjUo

— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) January 7, 2020

And finally, Hull FC winger Mahe Fonua has caused quite a stir in training after being pictures with an interesting new look. The 27-year-old returned to Humberside in the off-season after two years with NRL outfit Wests Tigers.