Below is a round-up of all the latest news from the world of rugby league over the last 24 hours.
Reaction as Wakefield finally get in the win column
It’s been a long season for Wakefield Trinity so far but the supporters were repaid somewhat at Belle Vue on Sunday when Trinity finally won their first game of the season. Plenty came from that game including a horror red card, with footage available here. There was also plenty said by Rohan Smith whereas Mark Applegarth also gave his side of things after the huge win.
NRL side target Jack Welsby
Jack Welsby made his 100th appearance for St Helens on Friday night and the full-back put in a man of the match display with a brace of tries and all round excellent play. It’s come to light now that one NRL side are particularly keen on the St Helens youngster and are set to “make a play“. The news has also come just after a teammate of his spoke about ‘having to keep players like him’, suggesting maybe there’s some substance to the reports.
“Heat is on” for one Super League coach
There’s already been one head coaching departure this season with Lee Radford being relieved of his duties at Castleford following three opening losses. That said there’s plenty of teams in ruts of form at the moment and Sky presenter Jenna Brooks has claimed that for one surprising coach “the heat is well and truly on”.
TV fixtures announced
More Sky Sports televised fixtures have been announced for the upcoming weeks of the season and that’s meant date changes for a select few matches as well. On top of the newly announced Sky fixtures, there’s also an update on how and where the Challenge Cup semi-final draw can be watched with the quarter-finals of the historic competition coming up this weekend.
Eleven players charged
The Match Review Panel has charged 11 players following the recent round of action. Among those there could be a huge ban for one player who is set to face a tribunal. A further four players have been banned whilst one man who saw two yellows has evaded punishment. Players also will be unable to exploit a commonly used loophole to dodge bans this week, which will likely please many fans.
Super League star’s rumoured move sees twist
Lachlan Lam has been one of the standout players in Super League this year and his recent form has been on another level, which in turn has seen him crowned Player of the Month. That form has peaked the interest of NRL clubs with Canberra Raiders reportedly keen but the Raiders may now have someone else in sight, which could leave Lam in Leigh. Whilst Lam might not be heading down under there could be an NRL man heading to Super League with one half-back being shopped to Super League sides per reports.
Shock Super League side looking for swift signings
There’s been lots of mid-season transfers this year with squads seeing plenty of additions on short and long term basis’. Wakefield are a prime example having already featured shirt numbers ranging up to 42, going far and beyond their initial 30. With injuries continuing this week another shock side have revealed that they’re looking for an immediate signing to try and help boost their team.
Attendances, Team of the Week and Injuries
The sun was out this weekend which led to some brilliant attendances across Super League but there was unfortunately a handful of injuries, including potential broken bones. On a more positive note there was plenty of brilliant performances and we’ve picked the best of those for our Team of the Week. Another issue that’s on a negative note would be that there was reports of crowd trouble at one match, with footage now being released as well.
Chairman fearing “negativity” with stadium update
Wakefield Trinity are in a stage of redevelopment both on and off the pitch, with their reported takeover pending being the biggest one. Another huge change is the redeveloping ground with Belle Vue modernising massively and a new update has been shared by chairman John Minards. That’s in spite of him stating he was fearful of “negativity” when posting the update.
Unbeaten run finally ends
Featherstone Rovers have been the runaway leaders of the Championship this season winning their opening 13 games to establish a perfect record. Former Super League side Toulouse came to town this weekend though and shocked Sean Long’s men to hand them their first league defeat of the season, and potentially open up the division?
Catalans Dragons
Ex-Super League forward set to join new club after being sacked
