RL News: RFL explain huge Knowles ban, Beaumont slams ex-player over lawsuit and Last reveals job chances

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

RFL explain huge Knowles ban

Morgan Knowles was hit with a Grade D charge for ‘dangerous contact’ in the incident that led to the season-ending injury of Mike Cooper. Despite Grade D being a maximum ban of three matches per the guidelines Knowles was hit with a five game ban, and there’s now an explanation.

Beaumont slams ex-player’s lawsuit

Derek Beaumont is a man of strong opinions and he’s put them out there today as he’s heavily criticised Nick Fozzard’s involvement in the ongoing lawsuit against the RFL over concussion. The Leigh owner responded to Fozzard on Twitter labelling him “deluded” in a series of tweets. Fozzard had responded to a former teammate defending his actions explain that the “full story” will reveal everything.

Big signings threatened with drop to reserves

Hull FC are in a bad place at the moment and head coach Tony Smith is seeking a way to turn the ship around. One thing he’s now suggested is that players may be forced into the reserves if they don’t perform and he failed to rule out “big names and big signings” doing so.

Results Round-up

Friday night saw four games in Super League with the earlier kick-off seeing Huddersfield defeat the Dragons. Rohan Smith’s Leeds beat Hull to add to Uncle Tony’s misery whilst his former club KR overcame Saints. The top of the table clash saw Wigan end Warrington’s unbeaten start and rounded off a brilliant night of rugby.

Video referees questioned over controversial calls

The Warrington Wigan game last night should have been a game that was remembered for being the two best teams in the competition providing a brilliant game. However it’s instead being looked upon with questions given two no-try calls against the home side, one of which left the Sky punditry and commentary team baffled.

Record attendance smashed

Warrington Wolves officially broke their record attendance last night as they faced Wigan it’s been confirmed. The Halliwell Jones saw 15,026 fans packed in last night however they were likely disappointed given the home side’s first loss of the season.

Ex-player gives coach timeline to turn team around

Former Hull FC man Paul Cooke has been weighing in on the situation at the MKM Stadium, where he once played, and he’s spoken about how long Tony Smith should have to turn it around before a possible change.

Last reveals job chances

Following defeat to Salford on Thursday night the inevitable question was posed to Andy Last for what must feel like the 1000th time, “do you think you’ll get the job?’ Last has made no secret of his desire to lead the Tigers but he provided an update in the post-game presser.

Leeming scores first NRL try

Kruise Leeming made the jump from Super League to the NRL and debuted last week, however that was after just days in the country. Now he’s had almost a fortnight there and in his half an hour cameo the former Rhinos’ captain managed to score a classic Kruise Leeming style try.

Sky pundit claims historic levels of money in star’s deal

George Williams was extended by Warrington Wolves midweek having been the form player of Super League so far. The playmaker has been almost unstoppable and Brian Carney has now claimed that the figures involved in signing Williams till 2026 could be the most “ever spent on an individual” in Super League.

Sky pundit tips England half-back pairing

With Warrington hosting Wigan last night there was plenty of talent on show with 16 of Shaun Wane’s 40 man squad involved. Two of those players were George Williams and Harry Smith and Sky Sports pundit Phil Clarke has since suggested that could be Shaun Wane’s preferred pairing.

“Bad management” has caused SL side’s “downward spiral”

Stevo has come out and slammed the roster management at Hull FC and blamed their current poor form on their current contract situation. The Black and Whites reportedly have 20 players off contract at the end of the season and he’s suggested that’s to blame for their current form.

JJB claims team “aren’t athletic enough”

One Super League side have come in for big criticism with former Leeds Rhinos’ man Jamie Jones-Buchanan claiming that they “aren’t athletic enough”, adding they also lack concentration.