RL News: Super League clubs want Burgess, Championship coach attacked and Mason calls out Fielden

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

James Graham joins NRL legend in calling for Ashes return

Joined by Willie Mason on his podcast, James Graham has echoed the Australian’s sentiments towards reintroducing test matches between the two nations.

Huge game on TV to cap off Championship Round One

Keighley Cougars are set to play host to Featherstone Rovers in the seventh and final game of the opening round of the Championship. Available on TV as well and with stars set to shine, we’ve got all the details you need to know.

Date set to decide Shaun Wane’s future?

Ever since that semi-final defeat to Samoa the speculation regarding the England boss has been rife. Serious About Rugby League now understand a deadline day has been marked on the calendar, when fans can potentially expect an announcement.

“The coach was a bit of a d*ck” – Willie Mason on Super League stint and the ‘Biff’

Willie Mason is one of the more charismatic men in recent rugby league history and the former Australian international has likened one of his Super League coaches to a male appendage. Ever outspoken he also relives his scrap with England’s Stuart Fielding and Jamie Peacock.

Clubs circle for Burgess

Tom Burgess is the last remaining Burgess plying his trade and following a stellar World Cup performance there’s speculation about his future, especially given he’s out of contract at the end of 2023. A further update has been made with named NRL sides and rumoured Super League sides in the market for the big-hitting prop.

Championship Round-Up

The Championship campaign got under way this weekend and only Keighley and Featherstone are left to play. Who got their season off to a winning start and did Bradford crack their record attendance attempt?

Eleven Super League teams’ action reviewed

Only St Helens, who are down under to contest the World Club Challenge, weren’t in action this weekend but how did everyone else do? We break down all the action, just 10 days from opening night.

Yellows galore and one star signing gets sent off on debut

Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos faced off on Sunday and despite the label of friendly the game ended up seeing three yellows, something that Rohan Smith has since questioned. They weren’t the only players in trouble though as the evening prior, Warrington’s star signing Josh McGuire saw red. The four players involved have a worrying wait to see what action is handed down after a loophole has been closed too.

Willie Peters picks out star man for upcoming season

There was lots to process from the Hull KR and Leeds clash but Willie Peters was keen to move on from the yellow cards and instead focus on his side’s strengths, highlighting a couple of men who could be key fixtures in the Robins’ side.

Matt Peet offers warning for rivals

Wigan boss Matt Peet has highlighted to any rivals just how strong their attack is following their strong performance against Salford. With two separate wingers scoring braces at the weekend he believes they could be “difficult to contain”.

Luke Gale discusses when he could call time on his career

The signing of the season on paper but we finally get to see him in action tonight, Luke Gale has made the drop down to Championship and he’s hinted that the new experience could also be his last experience, or last step in rugby league.

Former Wigan stars switch codes and make major impression

Two Wigan legends have taken to the 15-man code to represent their local side. Both Sean O’Loughlin and Thomas Leuluai, who featured in the centres and scored an incredible try, crossed to the dark side in this club fixture.

John Bateman still stuck in England and visits former club

The John Bateman ‘will he, won’t he’ saga went on far too long and now the question of when he will arrive has taken over. Stuck in England he returned to Odsal this weekend, just hours before worrying reports from Australia suggested an injury concern for the new Wests Tigers star.

Kevin Brown claims ’10 or 11′ Championship sides can crack top four

It’s been well documented the number of signings made by Championship sides ahead of 2023, but now former player Kevin Brown has gone as to far to say that almost every side in the league can target top four. Despite the depth in the league he’s still tipping one side though.

The Jungle set for reduced capacity in 2023

Castleford Tigers have announced that they’re going to be offering fans a more enhanced experience in 2023, but it will come at the expense of a few seats, with the Jungle set to be capped at 10,500 throughout 2023.

Championship side’s long journey home in defeat worsened by attack to their bus

Whitehaven had made the trip down south to visit Bradford and Odsal for their Championship opener, a place that had been a happy hunting ground of late with back-to-back wins. Not only did they fail to extend to three but they’ve reported an ‘attack’ on their bus that caused serious damage on their trip home.

Busy day at Odsal with injury update and new arrivals alike

Luke Gale was the highest profile signing in the Championship but it was Jack Walker who was one of the other huge bits of business. However, after just five minutes he trudged off against Whitehaven though. Meanwhile the Bulls have welcomed one star to the country and they could be looking at bringing in a former Super League talent too.

Former Super League player on 2023 fancies and mental health

Keith Mason has revealed the four teams he fancies for the 2023 season and to no surprise they include his beloved Saints. He also drops a mention for the team his son is coming through at, despite them being a rival to St Helens. Mason has also explained why so many pros struggle with depression once they hang the boots up.