RL News: Magic Weekend travel plans in tatters, Newman branded “selfish” and red card reaction for Knowles

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

Friday Night Challenge Cup Round-up

The round of 16 started on Friday night with three games in the evening slot and three games that went the way the odds suggested. Leigh brushed aside Wakefield underlining their chance for a deep cup run. Hull KR battered Batley with one off-contract back shining, whilst St Helens ended Halifax’s run as they won at the Shay.

Wigan avenge Leeds loss

The Challenge Cup was back on BBC today and the predicted game of the round was aired with Wigan Warriors visiting Leeds Rhinos. Only last had the teams faced off with Leeds winning in shocking fashion courtesy of two Harry Newman intercept tries, but it was potentially his mistake that cost Leeds the game today as Wigan won out.

Assessing the expected moves

Since May 1st passed when teams were made aware of who was off contract and who they could begin negotiations with the rumour mill has been in full swing. We’ve assessed those rumours that are close to confirmation and listed eight of the most anticipated and expected moves for 2024. One former Super League champ has seen his exit all but confirmed but the where is still up in the air.

Newman branded “selfish” in Leeds’ loss

Harry Newman has had three tries against Wigan in the past week, two in their Super League win and one today, but he was also the villain today and has been branded “selfish”. That’s something that Rohan Smith has reacted to, whilst he also addressed Newman’s feelings on the situation. Rhinos’ legend Jamie Peacock has offered his opinion of the talented centre as well.

Red Card reaction

It was a professional display from St Helens against Halifax for 70 minutes until Fax were allowed onto the scoreboard with five minutes to go, and then Morgan Knowles saw red with just seconds to go. That left coach Paul Wellens unhappy and left former Saint Kyle Amor unable to “defend” Knowles. England Skipper and St Helens captain Jodie Cunningham explained how Knowles plays on the edge, but commentators on both sides of the equator have referenced his expected ban including Andrew Voss who reacted to Knowles’ sketchy disaplinary record.

Burrow Marathon hits huge milestone

The Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon was almost a week ago now but the impact it’s had has been absolutely massive. It’s also now been announced what the monetary impact in terms of fundraising was, with 341 charities across the UK being supported and a huge figure raised.

Giants suffer two blows

Ut’s been confirmed that young talent Owen Trout is set to potentially miss the rest of the season, which could mean he’s played his last game in Giants’ colours with Ian Watson confirming other clubs are circling. Another big blow for the Giants would be that try-scoring forward Chris McQueen has returned to Australia for personal reasons for the time being.

Key men receive new deals

It’s that time of the year where contracts get extended or players seek new teams and two keystone players have extended with their respective clubs. Veteran prop Chris Hill will stay on with Huddersfield for a further two years, whilst Wakefield make their second key re-signing in two days. Max Jowitt has extended just 24 hours after Mason Lino did the same.

Chairman expects drop in TV money

As yet there isn’t a TV deal for the upcoming season or seasons which is a major concern for the sport given that’s where the majority of funding comes from. One club chairman has now expressed his belief that the next deal will be of less value than the current one, something which could be devastating for the game.

Magic Weekend travel plans in tatters

Magic Weekend is one of the biggest events of the rugby league calendar and it’s just two weeks away now but travel to the event could prove a problem. That’s because three further days of train strikes have been announced and it could through the plans of many fans up in the air, as it effects one of the fixture days.