Rugby League News – keeping you up to date with the latest news from the world of rugby league.
Here are some of the headline-grabbing stories from the last 24 hours.
Faraimo’s no ban
Castleford Tigers’ Bureta Faraimo has escaped a ban after he was yellow carded in the Tigers’ loss to Salford Red Devils on Friday night.
The minutes from the disciplinary had revealed that the hulking USA-international winger didn’t have a case to answer.
Leeds and referees
The Yorkshire Evening Post has reported on Leeds Rhinos and which referees they have had in the past. The paper revealed that “Leeds Rhinos have played 50 competitive matches since the start of 2020 and between them, three referees have been in the middle for 64 per cent of those.”
The paper continued: “Liam Moore and Chris Kendall have refereed Rhinos more than anyone else over the past two years, with 11 games each, one more than Hicks. Under Moore, Leeds have won eight and lost three, a success rate for Rhinos of 72.7 per cent.
“With Kendall as referee, they have won two – including the 2020 Challenge Cup semi-final against Wigan Warriors – and lost nine, a win percentage of 18.18.”
Challenge Cup televised fixtures
The Challenge Cup televised fixtures have been announced with a number of mouthwatering ties set to take place over the weekend of the 27-28 February.
This will be the fourth round with the Royal Navy and Hunslet Club Parkside still amazingly in the hat for the next round.
Connor injury
Hull FC head coach Brett Hodgson spoke after his side’s victory over Wakefield Trinity about Jake Connor’s injury.
The fullback played for the Black and Whites despite breaking his hand merely a fortnight ago, though he did get sent off for his troubles during the game.
Read more about what Hodgson said about Connor’s injury here.
Catalans blow
Catalans Dragons have suffered a major blow in their hunt to get back on the horse in Super League round two.
They have been hit with the news that one of their star forward will be out for a long time after suffering a bad injury in the French side’s opening round loss against St Helens.
Charnley’s open water
Josh Charnley has told the Daily Mirror about how he is taking to the open water in a bid to get to the top of the try scoring charts.
The paper revealed that Charnley “used his longest off-season in memory to take regular icy dips in Chorley’s Rivington Reservoir, in a bid to improve his recovery time and prolong his playing days.”
Charnley continued: “I’ve got my eyes on being Super League all-time top try scorer and I’m not too far from it.”
Carney’s new club
Former Canberra Raiders, Salford Red Devils and Catalans Dragons star Todd Carney has found a new club following a period of uncertainty.
He is combining the role with a coaching position, too at the age of 35.
Bans galore
Nine Super League players are set to be banned after round one of the new campaign.
James Bentley, Jake Connor, Reece Lyne and Andre Savelio are just four that have been given lengthy suspensions following foul play.
Channel 4 on Sky relationship
Channel 4 head Pete Andrews has told Rugby League Live how happy he was with the viewing figures for Saturday’s clash between Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves.
Andrews also commented how his team were wanting to tweak a number of things with the coverage, including enhancing graphics, whilst he was keen to maintain a good relationship with Sky Sports.
Channel 4 have seriously impressed with their coverage so far.
Olpherts calls for patience
Castleford Tigers winger Derrell Olpherts has called for patience in an interview with the Yorkshire Evening Post.
He told Castleford fans to judge the team after the season not just after one game following a disappointing 26-16 home loss to Salford Red Devils.
The Tigers play Warrington Wolves on Thursday.
Major Warrington news
Warrington Wolves have launched their first-ever on-demand video service in a key move that will help the club on and off the field.
The Wolves are at home on Thursday night against Castleford Tigers as Daryl Powell takes charge against his former side for the first time.
Patton fires shots
Former Warrington Wolves and Salford Red Devils halfback Dec Patton has fired shots at his previous clubs following his move to Bradford Bulls.
He spoke to the Vanilla Vine podcast about how he has fallen back in love with the game after a difficult few years.
Anti-Doping response
UK Anti-Doping has responded to claims by a former Super League forward that he was offered a ‘deal’ in order to help the agency ban more players.
It follows in the wake of Jamie Acton’s and Rangi Chase’s bans following doping violations.
UK Anti-Doping spoke to Serious About Rugby League. Read it here.
Pryce on Bradford
Former St Helens and Bradford Bulls halfback Leon Pryce has had his say on why it went wrong at Odsal in his second stint at the club.
Pryce also revealed who he believes will be the Championship Player of the Year.
Beaumont on Premier Sports
Derek Beaumont – Leigh Centurions’ outspoken owner – has had his say on Premier Sports.
His side were broadcast against Featherstone Rovers last week and Bradford Bulls last night.
Acton in shock revelation
Former Leigh Centurions forward Jamie Acton has told Serious About Rugby League about a ‘controversial’ ruling that was brought up when he was approached by UK Anti-Doping.
Acton was recently handed a two-year ban from all sport following the ruling.
Hills responds to claims
Channel 4’s rugby league host Adam Hills has responded to claims that he was being sarcastic about comments on Hull after opening the terrestrial channel’s first ever foray into the sport.
He was joined by Sam Tomkins, Danika Priim and Leon Pryce as pundits.
Read what Hills had to say here.
Hayne’s prison bombshell
Jarryd Hayne has been handed a prison bombshell after serving almost ten months behind bars.
His re-trial delivered a verdict yesterday which could have serious repercussions in the short and long-term future, according to Fox Sports.
Read more on the bombshell here.
Watts on ‘part-time’ effect
Liam Watts has told League Express that throughout the past two years, players have been feeling as though they are ‘part-time’ due to the nature of the game.
“The last couple of years have been terrible for me personally,” said the Tigers forward.
Watts also spoke on new head coach Lee Radford, saying: “it’s always been a relaxed environment around Radders.”
Currie explained
Ben Currie wasn’t banned for his hit on Leeds Rhinos’ David Fusitu’a following Saturday afternoon’s game.
And now the Disciplinary Match Review Panel has revealed just why.
Huddersfield Giants
“Get rid of the…” – Super League star calls for major Challenge Cup change
Huddersfield Giants
Former Wigan Warriors man agrees deal with Huddersfield Giants
Leigh Leopards
Reports: Leigh Leopards exit could lead to huge signing
