Below is a round-up of all the latest news from the world of rugby league over the last 24 hours.
Where next for Radford?
It’s just two days since Lee Radford left Castleford however there are already heavy links and reports as to where the coach will head next. Radford had previously worked with Samoa on their amazing World Cup run and it seems an NRL switch could be on the cards.
Leeds Rhinos duo return from injury
Rohan Smith has named his 21-man squad for Friday night and fans will be delighted to see the return of two key players to the squad. Leeds are aiming to build on their win over Saints and Smith has stated one key player will definitely play, whilst updating media on the condition of a further two key men. They face a Wakefield side whose back-line is struggling with injury.
Aussie media’s shock Bateman suggestion
John Bateman hasn’t been named in Wests Tigers team for the second week running and it’s already come to the point where members of the Australian media are suggesting an injury has been hidden. They’ve even speculated that the former Wigan man could be out for some time.
Cas look to youth as they aim to slay Giants
Castleford Tigers are under the command of Andy Last for the time being and he’s selected his first 21-man squad and it features one change with young Jason Qareqare returning. Meanwhile Ian Watson’s Huddersfield are still without a key signing whilst a veteran drops out.
Ian Watson’s reaction to Radford
Huddersfield will host a Lee Radford-less Castleford on Friday night and Ian Watson has had his say on the decision for club and coach to part ways after three games. He’s also quashed any rumours of a player heading to a rival Super League club, whilst commenting on the fitness of one of his star signings.
Hull KR captain hit with four-game ban
Shaun Kenny-Dowall was one of the surprising names to see in the disciplinary notes on Monday, even more so after fans discovered footage of the alleged incident, however the KR captain has pleaded guilty at tribunal. He will now face a four game ban for the Grade E offence.
Wire recall youngster to face injury-hit Hull KR
Warrington Wolves travel to Craven Park to try continue their winning start to the season and they’ve looked to a man with five wins this season to help as they recall a youngster from loan. As for Willie Peters’ he’s named a strong squad in spite of the mini injury crisis he’s facing.
Ref Watch- Liam Moore to make history
It’s been announced which officials will be taking charge of which games for round four of Super League and there’s set to be a history breaker. Following a busy week for the disciplinary panel the officials will be hoping for an easier work, but Liam Moore is set to become the first ever video referee at a game that is not televised.
Player of the Month crowned
Super League’s first ever streamed fixture
It’s been announced that Saturday’s clash between Hull FC and Salford Red Devils will be streamed via the Our League app, making it the first ever game to be shown on a non-TV platform.
Rhinos recruit’s absence explained
Fans will have noticed that the impressive Justin Sangare doesn’t feature in the 21-man squad for Friday’s clash with Wakefield and Rohan Smith has now explained why. Thankfully for fans it’s not injury-related but instead to do with his partner having just had a baby, with Sangare facing off against Saints as she went into labour.
Kyle Amor’s woeful Warrington admissions
Veteran prop Kyle Amor has discussed his spell at the Halliwell Jones in great depth with Jon Wilkin and Jenna Brooks claiming it was “as bad as it could be“. He’s also revealed the shocking request he made to Daryl Powell, before he and Wilkin revealed the “most embarrassing” part of the sport.
Surprise name tops Man of Steel rankings
Following round three the Man of Steel points have been dished out and it’s left a runaway leader atop the table with Jordan Abdull having bagged the maximum nine points. He accrued three points this past week despite losing to Leigh, find out how everyone else fared here.
Championship side’s huge attendance
Featherstone Rovers have started the season off on fire but their chairman had previously called fans out for poor attendances. That changed on Monday night when a huge number packed into the Millennium Stadium, the club going as far to say that they’ll “be the best supporters in Super League” for 2024. Despite that the club also sadly reported “inappropriate language” by some fans.
Hull KR youngster heads out on loan
Hull KR have made a brilliant start to the season and much of it is built on their youth with Mikey Lewis being the shining example. Another young playmaker at the club is Jack Potter and Rovers have announced that he’s set to head out on loan for a two-week period.
Weather watch: Coaches discuss cancellation concerns
England is set to be hit with a cold blast in the coming days and there’s been questions over how that could affect the upcoming round of Super League fixtures. Coaches have also had their say on with both Rohan Smith and Ian Watson offering opinions on the situation.
Suspension impacts Leopards’ and Saints’ squads
Leigh will welcome St Helens to their home on the back of a last minute win over Hull KR. Meanwhile Saints are coming off a last minute loss and now both sides have named their squads, Leigh making one change, whilst Wellens has leaned on experience.
