Below is a round-up of all the latest news from the world of rugby league over the last 24 hours.
Dragons strengthen grip on league
Catalans travelled to Hull after their important win over Leigh last week and the Dragons beat out the Black and Whites in impressive style. It was a win that saw Hull FC lose one player to injury in worrying fashion but the Dragons won handily although they were aided by a controversial call claimed former FC player Paul Cooke. Boss Tony Smith has also had his say after the game and ahead of next week’s derby.
Flying winger extends contract
Abbas Miski has been exceptional for Wigan this season with the Lebanese international shining on the wing and scoring circus tries every other week seemingly. With Bevan French moving into the spine on a regular basis it’s allowed Miski to really forge a role for himself on the wing, and that’s not gone unnoticed. Wigan have now triggered an option in his contract to extend his deal.
Friday Results Round-up
There were four games on Friday evening and we saw shocks in one of them whilst the scoreline of the other three was certainly a surprise. Wakefield whalloped Salford to inspire hopes of a great escape, whilst Leigh hammered Hull KR in the televised game. Two Super League strugglers both fell to play-off sides with St Helens nilling Castleford, whilst Wigan provided more misery for Huddersfield. The performance of Hull KR caught the attention of one of their own with Jordan Abdull, currently injured and on punditry duty, slamming the “petulance” of his side.
“Three of four NRL clubs” chasing star
Lachlan Lam has been exceptional all season and is one of the key reasons why Leigh have soared into second in the table. There’s been plenty of talk down under about bringing the PNG man back to the NRL but it’s now been referenced by one ley commentator who claimed “three of four clubs in the NRL are interested” in his signature. There could also be a man heading the other way with one NRL back being offered to Super League clubs according to Thirteen.com.
Super League side desperate for signings
Daryl Powell’s Warrington Wolves started the season on fire but of late it’s been a struggle, with five losses in their last six including crashing out of the Challenge Cup against 12-men Wigan. Two of the side’s overseas players, Thomas Mikaele and Josh McGuire, have both been released and that was something that Powell alluded to before indicating that they are keen to recruit and replace the forwards. Powell has also revealed talks he’s had with club CEO Karl Fitzpatrick.
NRL prop backed to make Super League switch
Matt Lodge started the NRL campaign with rumours he’d move into the world of boxing but alas he remained with the Roosters, but that’s not the case anymore. It’s being reported down under that the Roosters have told him he’s free to leave and have sent him to their feeder team after agreeing a release. As such Fox League have touted him for a Super League switch.
Burrow inspires revealing his “too many reasons to live”
Rob Burrow is a legend of the sport and his legacy off the pitch will replicate the one he produced on the pitch, as a fighter and someone who defied the odds. In his current fight against MND he’s served to inspire millions, raise millions and importantly raise the awareness of a terrible disease. On the final day of MND Awareness month Rob’s story of MND was told again and will certainly inspire you once again.
Rugby Union forces change of Championship game
The Rugby Union World Cup is to be played in France later this year and whilst no games are being played at Toulouse’s stadium, it is being used as a base for the Japanese team. As such the Olympians, who are flying high in the Championship, will be unable to fulfil their fixtures at home at the time with three games being effected. This has triggered another side to release a very unhappy statement in response. The fixtures in round 17 are unaffected though and the predictions, as well as kick-off times, for those games can be found here.
Huddersfield Giants
Tom Burgess says he won’t stay in Super League for long
