Below is a round-up of all the latest news from the world of rugby league over the last 24 hours.
Wire extend winning streak to seven
Warrington Wolves continued their brilliant start to the season with a dominant win over Hull FC earlier today, live on Channel 4. George Williams once again starred but it’s a worrying fifth defeat in a row for FC, who head into the derby with injury concerns after a star player went down.
Wilkin’s “obsessed” with Rhinos’ star
Leeds Rhinos fell to an error-strewn defeat to Hull KR but in spite of the loss pundit Jon Wilkin has revealed his ‘obsession’ with one of Rohan Smith’s men. He also noted the contrast between past and present Rhinos’ teams, picking out the key element the current crop are lacking.
Catalans crush Castleford hopes with late try
Catalans Dragons fell to their first defeat of the season last week but they bounced back on their return to home soil. Castleford are still without a coach but Andy Last led them once again and it looked like they’d register their second win, but for some late drama in Perpignan.
Saints suffer huge blow ahead of derby
St Helens comfortably dispatched Wakefield Trinity last night but injury issues cropped up for the second week in a row. Only last week against Huddersfield they lost a player after two minutes and this week was no different, and now one of their star players could be in doubt to face Wigan in the Good Friday derby.
Williams on if it’s “Warrington’s year”
Man of Steel front-runner George Williams had another brilliant showing today and with the Wire currently seven wins from seven games the inevitable question has been asked, is it Warrington’s year? Well Williams has now had his say on the matter following today’s impressive win.
Coach claims star could win Man of Steel
Jordan Abdull has been among the final few in Man of Steel voting before in 2021 but after an off season in 2022, he’s back with a bang this year. His bombardment of Leeds’ back-line with an incredible kicking game effectively split the two sides on Friday night and Willie Peters has now made some huge comments about his playmaker.
SL side in market for major signing
Warrington Wolves have been dominant this year and a deep and strong forward pack has been the foundation, however they’ll be without Thomas Mikaele going forward as he’s set to return to Australia. The club have allowed Mikaele to leave on account of “compassionate grounds”, but have since confirmed they’re “actively looking for a replacement”.
Wells and Wilkin lament Leeds “shocker”
When Leeds produced an impressive comeback to defeat Catalans Dragons it was assumed by many that they’d found their feet this season but a loss at Craven Park proved otherwise. Sky pundits Jon Wells has now claimed Rhinos are out of the Grand Final picture, whilst Jon Wilkin has singled out a “shocker” of a performance.
Stevo hits out at IMG
Stevo has spoken about the current IMG proposals and also come up with a huge merger idea. He’s claimed that they have no interest in relegation and promotion and has suggested that the three Cumbrian sides should merge to form the “Cumbrian Cobras”.
Lam outlines Leigh’s bold target
Leigh might have lost on Thursday night in the ‘Battle of the Borough’ but they’ve certainly impressed in the early weeks of the 2023 campaign. Many had labelled them as relegation candidates but head coach Adrian Lam has no intention of discussing that, instead setting a bold target for the Leopards.
Rhinos’ cap questioned by ex-referee
Earlier in the week Zak Hardaker spoke on a podcast claiming Leeds’ cap was “all over the place”, and now it seems Richard Silverwood, former Super League official, thinks the same. Silverwood tweeted mid-game about some of the roster management at Headingley and in particular the finances.
Super League boss is “frustrated”
Mark Applegarth has addressed fans stating that he’s just as frustrated as they are with the clubs current injury issues, and inability to replace players given their limited finances. He’s also discussed the actual transfer business they have managed, which many fans have been critical of.
Super League Disciplinary News
Super League DIsciplinary: Ground-breaking decision explained
