RL News: Homegrown stars sign extensions, Toronto make shock return and Rhinos’ “completed” recruitment “to emerge”
Below is a round-up of all the latest news from the world of rugby league over the last 24 hours.
Leigh Leopards pair in shop window
Adrian Lam has spoken with the press detailing how his squad is faring up and he’s spoken about the need for two youngsters to get game time, hinting that they could be sent out on loan. He’s also detailed the need to stay “aggressive” with not only recruitment but also retention.
Hull FC star in exit door
Tony Smith had a busy press conference today addressing the rumours surrounding a number of his players. He’s stated that Kane Evans could well leave the club effective immediately, as rumours have suggested. He’s also batted off questions about fellow prop Chris Satae and made clear his desire for the prop forward to stay with the side.
Homegrown stars sign extensions
With May 1st having ticked over players are free to negotiate with rival clubs and two teams have taken action to keep two of their English talents. Both Warrington Wolves and Hull FC have done so with the Wire extending a talented young winger and FC looking at boosting their forward pack.
Team News as Super League returns
Super League is back following the week long break and every side’s 21-man squad has already been confirmed. A star signing could debut for Hull FC against Wigan who may also hand out a debut. A Man of Steel frontrunner is missing for Hull KR in their clash with Huddersfield, whilst former Man of Steel Luke Gale could feature for Wakefield against Warrington. St Helens travel to Catalans who have a new NRL signing, whilst Leigh and Castleford clash in the ‘Battle of the Big Cats’. Finally it’s Leeds vs Salford at Headingley with a young talent returning for Rohan Smith. The match officials for all those matches have also been confirmed here.
Rhinos intent on keeping youth
Leeds Rhinos have built so much of their Super League dominance on the back of their own production line and the current crop could be set to do the same. Rohan Smith has today confirmed that one young star is contracted for 2024, the club intend to extend a further two youngsters and he’s also stated that recruitment has already started and will be revealed in time. He’s also confirmed some damaging injury news for one of the team’s leading playmakers.
Pundits question Huddersfield attack
Huddersfield Giants have on paper one of the best squads in the league with their attack particularly exciting, especially in the halves. Despite this both Kevin Brown and Paul Sculthorpe have recently questioned that with Brown unable to understand why it’s not working. Former Man of Steel Sculthorpe has called for the “mavericks” in the side to be utilised more.
Championship challengers both make Super League signings
Both Featherstone Rovers and York Knights are pushing for promotion to the Super League and as such they’re both teams keen to bring in Super League talent. That’s happened today with Rovers picking up a veteran forward whilst the Knights have recruited a promising young back.
Super League’s booming attendance
The 2023 season has been brilliant so far with Leigh bringing plenty to the competition, St Helens achieving greatness down under and surprise teams like Hull KR. That’s also seen incredible attendance figures and we’ve contrasted the current figures with those of 2022 and it spells good news for the sport, with six amazing stats highlighting that.
SL club director puts “house on the line”
Salford Red Devils play some of the best rugby in the league and punch well above their weight, something that their managing director has addressed when discussing their new ownership scheme. He’s opened up about putting his “house on the line”, spoken about possible grading the side will get, called on fan support and explained attendance figures. He also discussed the number of hugely impressive saleable players Salford have, admitting it would break his heart to sell them.
Manager of the Month
For the first two months of the Super League season the Coach of the Month award was a bit of a procession given that Warrington were unbeaten and Daryl Powell had righted the ship of the Wolves. Since then a new force has appeared and as such a new name has been presented with the award.
Challenge Cup contests confirmed
Whilst the draw for Round six of the Challenge Cup was made over a week ago the times and fixtures have now been confirmed, which gives fans the opportunity to book tickets and plan travel. We’ve listed kick-off times and TV coverage of all games in one handy article.
Toronto Wolfpack’s shock return!
The sport is constantly trying to grow but one expansion that didn’t work and is best forgotten generally was that of the Toronto Wolfpack. What was left was a series of unpaid players and effectively the collapse of the club. They’ve now issued a statement announcing their return, something which will shock many.