RL News: Former player buys club, ex-referee slams rule and Leigh stun Hull FC

Below is a round-up of all the latest news from the world of rugby league over the last 24 hours.

Rhinos stunning comeback over Catalans

Leeds Rhinos met Catalans Dragons in an amazing advert for rugby league live on free-to-air TV during a game that saw a yellow card, controversial tries and one incident that was labelled “a rugby league disaster”. All the highlights, player ratings and talking points are linked here.

Leigh edge Hull FC in famous win

Leigh Leopards added a third win of the season and a second win in Hull as they beat the black and white half of the city today. In the incredible win they say Josh Charnley cross over three times as they forced the upset.

Friday Night results round-up

Warrington kept their unbeaten start to the season going as they whitewashed the Tigers at the Jungle, Hull KR bounced back from their three game slide to compound Wakefield’s misery and Wigan executed a brilliant comeback to defeat Salford on a brilliant night of Super League.

Martin’s missed kicks joked at by referee Moore

Leeds defeated Catalans 32-22 however it could have been a far wider margin if Rhyse Martin had brought his kicking boots. The goal kicker missed the opening five conversions before Aidan Sezer took over. Nevertheless Martin kicked the last from in front of the posts, not before a cheeky comment from referee Liam Moore.

Sarginson reveals retirement reasons

Dan Sarginson and Salford Red Devils parted ways just over a week ago and then came the announcement from Sarginson that he was retiring from the game aged just 29. Speaking on Sky Sports he’s revealed the reasons behind the shock decision.

Bateman hit with “mystery” injury

It’s been a torrid start for Wests Tigers as they remain the only side in the NRL without a win. It took a long time for Bateman to finally arrive with his new side but even then he missed the first two games with rumours of an injury, and that injury has seemingly reared it’s head again following his most recent game.

Ex-ref calls for “scrapping” of six again rule

The six again rule sparked controversy on Thursday night with Matty Lees admission in the post match interview that his side were happy to defend multiple sets in order to slow down Huddersfield. Phil Clarke went as far as claiming Saints “effectively cheated”, and now former official Richard Silverwood has called for it to be scrapped.

McDermott makes Leeming prediction

Kruise Leeming wanting out of Headingley has been one of the biggest stories of the season so far and it still remains unclear where the hooker will head next. The suggestions so far are that he will head to the NRL with Gold Coast Titans being the favourites, but Barrie McDermott has made a shock prediction about where Leeming will ultimately end up.

Rovers’ star could miss “a few weeks”

Hull KR reversed their poor form last night with an impressive win over Wakefield Trinity but it didn’t come without a big cost and that was Ryan Hall’s injury. Rovers headed into the game without three players due to failed HIA’s the week prior and this is a fresh blow for the coming weeks.

JJB highlights “pressure” on star man and labels Wigan “almost dull”

Jamie Jones-Buchanan was on punditry duty for the Wigan Salford fixture last night and the former Leeds man picked out one Wigan star who he thinks is under “pressure” for his role. He also labelled the Warriors as “almost dull” in one facet of their game, despite the victory.

Calls for cancellation over pitch “a mockery”

Mark Applegarth has come out and defended the playing surface at Belle Vue labelling any concerns and calls for the game to be cancelled “a mockery and a shambles”. That was following a Monday pitch inspection after issues in the two prior games at Trinity’s ground.

Turgut completes amazing rugby return

Jansin Turgot played for Bradford Bulls reserves last weekend in his return to the game following a suicide attempt. It’s a story of huge personal growth and recovery following the Turkish international’s personal struggles.

Graham rants over false rumours

James Graham has made an expletive filled rant on Australian radio in regards to the spreading of false rumours surrounding Mitchell Moses. The playmaker is one of the most in-demand players going off contract for 2024 and rumours are rife, but Graham has labelled those spreading false rumours as “little bitches”.

Wigan man loaned out

Iain Thornley has been somewhat of the forgotten man at the DW given his injury and the acquisition of Jake Wardle and Toby King. He’s now on the road back and to aid his return to match fitness the centre has been sent out on loan.

Former player purchases League One club

Oldham have announced new ownership and involved in the purchasing group are former player Mike Ford and local businessman Mick Harrington. The Roughyeds are looking to earn promotion from League One and that’s the vision of the new owners, who released a statement upon their purchase.

Championship Predictions

It’s round seven of the Championship season and there’s some key match ups this week including Featherstone hosting York and then the so-called ‘Battle of Bradford’ between Keighley and Bradford. We’ve listed all the kick-off times and predicted the scores following Sheffield and Toulouse’s earlier clash. That clash saw Sheffield upset the odds and beat out Toulouse in hugely impressive fashion at the Olympic Legacy Park.