RL News: Former Super League champion retires, England international makes transfer request and seven charged by Match Review Panel

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

Former Super League Champion retires

Kyle Amor has been playing his rugby league with Widnes Vikings in the Championship this season, having departed Warrington Wolves at the end of 2022. The big forward has utilised that part-time role with Widnes to forge into the media as a pundit and commentator, and he could well be doing so more often now as it’s been confirmed that he’s retired due to injury.

England international makes transfer request

Tyler Dupree has had a major rise, culminating in an England cap at the end of April, but it seems that the young forward now wants out of Salford with the club confirming he’s handed in a transfer request. That’s in spite of him signing an extension just recently in which he stated “I feel like I owe the club a lot”. This all happens in the backdrop of Salford’s controversial but potentially game changing plan to become fan-owned, and here’s what this request could mean in that context.

Rovers secure huge signing

With the news that Lachlan Coote is retiring at the end of the season there was a question surrounding who will operate at full-back at Craven Park for 2024 and beyond. The Robins have now answered that resoundingly with the recruitment of Kiwi international and former Warrington man Peta Hiku. It’s left fans absolutely delighted with some labelling it “a statement of intent”.

Seven players charged by MRP

Seven players have been charged by the Match Review Panel. Among those is St Helens’ Morgan Knowles who has copped a ban for his high tackle against Halifax. He is one of three players to be banned and here’s why in each instance. One incident occurred five times with three different consequences, whilst late hits have also been dealt with in a range of manners. Another player has copped  a fine after a controversial no-try call, whilst one has seen “unclear footage” save his skin potentially.

Championship side recruit Super League man

Featherstone Rovers have announced their immediate transfer of Daniel Smith from Castleford Tigers. Rovers are top of the table in the Championship and this signature simply strengthens them further with Smith returning to the Millennium Stadium having played there recently on a loan deal.

NRL pundit’s huge praise for ex-SL coach

Phil Gould is one of the most outspoken pundits down under and a man who knows more about the game than most. He’s always keen to share his opinion via social media and when asked about the sport’s most underrated coach he named a former Super League boss, one with family connections to the competition.

Challenge Cup Team of the Week & Round Seven Draw

With three games on both Friday and Saturday it meant just two on Sunday with one all Super League clash. That saw Hull FC defeat Castleford in convincing fashion, leaving Andy Last to explain another loss, and with the conclusion of those games we’ve selected a team of the week. The conclusion of the games also meant the quarter-final draw with just one non Super League team left in the hat.

Huge statement from young Wigan talent

Wigan produced a comeback to defeat Leeds on Saturday and one man who got himself on the score sheet and was key to the win was forward Junior Nsemba. The big man was brilliant and speaking with Jon Wilkin in the post-game he’s revealed a huge ambition, which should he achieve could see him as one of the stars of the future.

Challenge Cup Attendances

Fans turned out in the sunshine this weekend to watch the Challenge Cup but one of the most impressive attendances came on Friday night in the evening clash between Halifax and St Helens. Another game though, held at a Super League ground, saw a smaller attendance but featured a mammoth away support.

Injury round-up as Wigan hit with triple blow

The Challenge Cup action from the weekend was brilliant with all of Saturday’s games being won by a margin of a try or less. Despite the quality of the play there’s sadly been some injuries once again, with a full round-up here. Among those who suffer most are Wigan who had have a triple blow whilst another side could be without a key playmaker for “weeks”.  Positive news though comes for St Helens as it’s been ruled that one of their star men is set to feature against Leeds this week, despite a big scare.

Origin squads named

One of the reasons that some claim the international game has died off is the incredible level of importance put on the State of Origin series down under, and in fairness it deserves all the attention it gets. Whether it detracts from the international scene or not it’s still can’t miss rugby league and the squads have been announced ahead of Game One.

JJB on all things rugby league

Jamie Jones-Buchanan is one of the bigger profiles in rugby league, both as a player and now as a pundit, and he’s had plenty to say this past weekend. He’s picked out his dream Challenge Cup final, suggested that one Super League side aren’t fit enough and then finally he’s even questioned the skill level of one team.