RL News: Star man set for Super League return, Ref reveals why McDonnell saw red and Tyson Fury – rugby league’s famous fan

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

Magic Weekend to continue in 2024?

Magic Weekend is just a week away and the yearly pilgrimage to Newcastle has become a staple in the Super League calendar but it’s one at risk. The suggestion was that IMG wanted to remove it as part of the removal of loop fixtures, but recently a Sky Sports presenter has referenced the possibility it may go ahead in 2024.

Star player set for Super League return?

David Fifita or ‘The Big Bopper’ is one of the legends at Belle Vue where he operated during his time in Super League. He left Wakefield as a club hero last year but strong reports linking him back to Belle Vue have now been confirmed by Mark Applegarth, meaning we could see the big man back to try save Wakefield again.

Friday Night Round-Up

Super League saw four games on Friday night with the first taking place in France and Wakefield’s woes being compounded with another loss to Catalans. Huddersfield ramped up the pressure on Andy Last and Leeds and St Helens played out a thriller that went to golden point. The final game saw table toppers Warrington shocked by the Leopards in the upset of the week.

Rohan Smith’s reaction and injury update

Leeds Rhinos, like many, have struggled with injuries this season and Friday night was no different. Smith provided an injury update on three genuine stars who Leeds lost on Friday night during his post-match presser. He also spoke about the concept of golden point, something we saw for the second time in two nights. Everything that Smith said post-match can also be found here.

Tyson Fury the famous fan

Tyson Fury is the best heavyweight boxer in the world at present and has been among the best since his World title win over Wladimir Klitschko in 2015 despite his time out of the sport. It now seems that he’s a huge rugby league fan, spotted down under sporting a Queensland Maroons jersey ahead of the State of Origin game one on Wednesday.

Leeds Saints fallout including Wellens opinion and why McDonnell saw red?

Both games between St Helens and Leeds Rhinos this year have been won by one point and have arguably been two of the most action-packed games of the season. Paul Wellens has attributed this now to the sides being “like brothers”. Another thing to come from the game was McDonnell’s red card and there’s now footage from the official explaining why.

Saints man “craves” NRL

Reports from the Newcastle Herald down under are suggesting that St Helens’ star forward Sione Mata’utia “craves a swansong” with former club Newcastle. This would be a monster move and also a huge loss for Saints, but it comes in line with the revelation that Mata’utia is still a member with the club despite living on the other side of the world.

Coach claims award just weeks after sacking

Rhys Lovegrove worked wonders to guide Keighley to a invincible season in League One in 2022 and as such he’s been recognised for his brilliant achievements. One slight issue that makes the matter more awkward is that Lovegrove was relieved of his role just over a week ago and is now no longer at the club that he took to the greatness, for which he is being recognised.

Key player forced into surgery

Ethan Ryan has had to step up of late and deputise at full-back given Lachlan Coote’s injury. During that time the versatile back has impressed at full-back, including a hattrick against Batley in the Challenge Cup. Sadly that form might be ended prematurely as he now has been forced into surgery with an injury picked up during Thursday’s defeat to Wigan.

Watson unphased by pressure

Ian Watson’s Huddersfield have failed t live to to pre-season expectations thus far despite their heavy recruitment and impressive 2022 season. That’s led to some pressure, particularly on social media, which Watson has dismissed. He’s also hit back at the suggestions their spend should equate immediately to success by noting Warrington’s failure to lift a Grand Final trophy in spite of their spending.

Women’s game gets huge boost

The women’s game is a strength of the sport and is one that’s only improving, as highlighted at the World Cup. Leeds Rhinos played St Helens as part of a double header before the men’s game on Friday night, a game which saw Saints victorious, and now another double header could be set for Headingley it has been confirmed.

Beaumont slams legal action against RFL

It’s been a brilliant 2023 season so far for Derek Beaumont and his Leigh Leopards and he’s certainly among those in the sport that will help protect it and enhance it for the future. On the contrary though are those involved in the legal action against the RFL with Beaumont now labelling them as purely “money driven”.

Applegarth reveals huge blow

Mark Applegarth is yet to put a win on the board in Super League as Wakefield Trinity boss but the woes have continued with the confirmation that one of their star signings is out for two months. Applegarth also commented on the need for a change in the compensation rule when young prospects head elsewhere, something Trinity had been afflicted by.

Club release statement to fans

Castleford Tigers have had a below par season and there’s already been off-field movement with Andy Last replacing Lee Radford at the helm. The club have since released a statement outlining abuse from fans but also on a more positive note a new stadium update. Last also addressed a key injury that the Tigers are dealing with now, as well as dwindling attendances at the Jungle.