RL News: Leigh chairman departs, Leeds players abused and NRL duo set for Super League

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

Saints slip to Leeds loss

St Helens lost their first home game as World Club Champions in dramatic fashion during a game that had plenty of talking points. We’ve broken down the major issues and offered up some player ratings in our in depth review.

Four other Friday fixtures

As well as the televised St Helens and Leeds clash, Friday saw four other fixtures played with Hull FC visiting Catalans in an unbeaten clash. Their rivals Hull KR hosted a Leigh side who were returning from France. Wigan visited the Jungle after their huge win over Wakefield, whilst Wakefield themselves hosted Ian Watson’s Huddersfield.

Smith and Sezer cop Saints’ fan abuse

Both Rohan Smith and Aidan Sezer were subject to the “very angry” St Helens’ fans during their post-match interviews, with Smith having to “deal” with some of them. Meanwhile Sezer’s interview was almost drowned out by boos from the upset home fans.

Wilkin slams refereeing decisions

Jon Wilkin has spoken out about some of the decisions that were made during St Helens one point loss to Leeds Rhinos. He’s even labelled one of the calls that Chris Kendall made “a shocker”.

Current team is “greatest St Helens side ever”

St Helens’ chairman Eamonn McManus has labelled this current side as the greatest ever in St Helens’ long history, citing victory over Penrith in the World Club Challenge confirmed that.

Social media erupts following St Helens vs Leeds

When a game is as controversial and close as Friday night’s televised fixture there’s bound to be a huge reaction from fans. The medium that many use to express that these days is social media and we’ve gauged the general mood.

Wellens questions “composure”

St Helens lost out in a tight game and it was one that saw huge swings in momentum based on disciplinary errors by both sides. Paul Wellens has since spoken about the lack of composure that his side showed, and called for improvement in that department.

Rob Burrow mural vandalised

Sad news has been revealed that the brilliant Rob Burrow mural at Leeds Beckett University has been vandalised. It’s been mindlessly damaged and follows the news of January that the ‘7 Stories of MND’ exhibition had also been damaged.

Smith is “a future NRL coach”

NRL journalist Brad Walters took to social media following Leeds Rhinos’ major win over St Helens to laud Rohan Smith with praise. The journalist even suggested that Smith has a future down under given his impressive work with Leeds.

Wellens reacts to yellow cards

St Helens found themselves down to 12 men on three separate occasions last night and since then head coach Paul Wellens has weighed in on the big decisions. Sky pundit Phil Clarke also had plenty to say, offering an alternative view to that of Wellens.

Social media eight-point debate

The Warrington Salford Thursday night game saw an unprecedented two so-called ‘eight-point tries’ which led to major controversy. With that came a flurry of opinions on social media and we gauged the overall feeling of the fans.

Wilkin claims game was “snatched” from Saints

There’s bound to be opinions on a result when a game goes to the wire like St Helens vs Leeds did but former Saints’ skipper Jon Wilkin has gone further, claiming the win was “snatched” from his former side. He’s also questioned Richie Myler’s actions during Konrad Hurrell’s red card.

Penrith lose at English expense again

Penrith Panthers kicked off their NRL title defence on Friday morning in their first game following their defeat to St Helens. Ironically the Panthers lost out again courtesy of an English superstar with Herbie Farnworth scoring a brace for the Broncos.

Burgess future closer to decision

Tom Burgess is reportedly very close to signing an extension with South Sydney Rabbitohs, something that would bring an end to any speculation that he’s to return to England. There had been strong links to Leeds Rhinos but he’ll remain with the Bunnies.

Wilkin labels Wire man as “unstoppable”

Warrington are having a major bounce back year following their poor 2022 season and one of their main critics has become a huge supporter of them. Jon Wilkin never pulled punches in his criticism but he has now labelled one Warrington player as “unstoppable”.

Leopards’ Chairman steps down

Leigh Leopards managed to achieve their first win of the season last night but hours before the game they confirmed that their chairman was set to leave the club. Mike Latham has stepped down but will still remain involved in some capacity.

NRL stars tipped for Super League switch

The Daily Telegraph have compiled a list of off-contract players and suggested where they could end up. Two of the 21 players on the list are touted for Super League moves, with one having been very heavily linked already this off-season.