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.
Napa and Dudson banned
Both Dylan Napa and Gil Dudson have received hefty bans from the RFL following Catalans Dragons’ 28-8 loss to St Helens last Thursday night.
It means that, along with Julian Bousquet, the French side will have to cope without three of their main forwards for Saturday’s fixture against Wakefield Trinity. Read more here.
Ex-Wigan and Wakefield forwards admits to drugs
An ex-Wigan Warriors and Wakefield Trinity forward has admitted to doping whilst playing. The 41-year-old told ITV about the pressure to dope in order to get better deals with better teams.
He also revealed the horror of sitting in the car with a teammate who jabbed himself in the arm with a needle. Read more here.
Huddersfield’s initiative
Huddersfield Giants have launched a brilliant initiative for their fans ahead of this Saturday’s Super League fixture with Hull KR, their club website has revealed.
Should other clubs follow suit in developing ideas such as these to help their supporters? Read more here.
Bentley’s bombshell upgrade
James Bentley has had his ban upgraded following an unsuccessful appeal.
The Leeds Rhinos forward was initially banned for three games after hitting Warrington Wolves’ Gareth Widdop around the head in Leeds’ loss last weekend. Read more on the length of the ban here.
Powell on Cas
Daryl Powell has told WireTV what it will be like facing his former team Castleford Tigers on Thursday night as Warrington Wolves boss.
Powell spent almost nine years at the Jungle, taking them from perennial strugglers to silverware hunters. Read more on his thoughts here.
Wigan major blow
Bevan French will not be returning to the UK to join up with the Wigan Warriors this week, head coach Matt Peet confirmed in his pre-match press conference.
French has been in Australia mourning the passing of his mother, but was set to return to the DW Stadium this week. Read more here.
Prior on Martin
Leeds Rhinos forward Matt Prior has heaped praise on fellow Rhino Rhyse Martin who played for the club just days after the death of his father.
Martin was in inspired form and Prior told Leeds Live: “The way Rhyse has handled himself this week is credit to him.”
Important Wigan/Leeds info
Important information has been spread ahead of Wigan Warriors’ clash with Leeds Rhinos on Friday night following a tweet that was sent out by a journalist.
The tweet referred to the impending storm on its way this weekend, warning those traveling. Read more here.
Woolf injury update
The St Helens Star has recorded an update on what St Helens head coach Kristian Woolf had to say on his side’s injuries heading into Saturday’s clash with Hull FC.
Woolf is hoping Mark Percival, Sione Mata’utia, Will Hopoate and Lewis Dodd for the weekend.
Hewer on exit
Ex-Super League referee Gareth Hewer has told Serious About Rugby League about the rise in abuse that officials are currently experiencing.
Hewer also told us just why he has hung up his whistle after a glittering career in the middle. Read more here.
Johnson recall
Corey Johnson has told Leeds Live just how much of a whirlwind the past 24 hours have been having been recalled by Leeds Rhinos.
The hooker had been named in Bradford Bulls’ side to face Leigh Centurions on Monday night but was pulled out due to being named in the Leeds squad for Friday night’s clash against Wigan Warriors.
Burrow’s verdict
Rob Burrow has given his own verdict on the coverage given by Channel 4 to rugby league on Saturday afternoon.
Leeds Rhinos took on Warrington Wolves in a rip-roaring affair that attracted a record number of viewers. Read more on Burrow’s own thoughts here.
Refereeing appointments revealed
Serious About Rugby League has revealed the refereeing appointments for this week’s Super League fixtures.
Ben Thaler has a video referee gig again whilst Robert Hicks is also included as a man-in-the-middle despite his part-time status now. Read more here.
Away fans glee
Away fans to Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique have been met some with great news after a media spokesman associated with both clubs revealed some positivity on Twitter.
All sportsmen and women – as well as fans – still needed to be vaccinated in order to arrive in France. Read more here.
Hull’s appeal
Hull FC have decided whether or not to appeal the bans given to Jake Connor and Andre Savelio respectively.
Connor was handed a one-match ban by the RFL’s Disciplinary Match Review Panel with Savelio handed a two. Read more on Hull’s decision here.
Gelling bombshell
There has been a new twist in the transfer saga of Anthony Gelling after the South Sea Islander was linked with a move back to the UK. One head coach – interested in the recruit – has spoken of his desire to bring him to the club.
Gelling has formerly played for Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors, Leigh Centurions and Widnes Vikings in the UK. Read more on the latest here.
Sinfield to appear
Kevin Sinfield will appear at Tom Briscoe’s testimonial dinner as a guest speaker, the Leeds Rhinos website has revealed.
The duo won numerous trophies together wand still share a close friendship. Read more here.
Richardson’s neck brace bombshell
Castleford Tigers star Danny Richardson has been snapped in a neck brace following Castleford’s loss to Salford Red Devils last Friday.
He was subsequently left out of the Tigers’ 21-man squad to face Warrington Wolves on Thursday night with Gareth O’Brien stepping in. Read more on Richardson’s injury here.
Beaumont takes aim
Leigh Centurions’ outspoken owner Derek Beaumont has taken aim at Sky Sports after enjoying watching his side play on Premier Sports.
He was able to watch Leigh’s 38-4 drubbing of the Bradford Bulls with ease whilst flying. Read more here.
Connor and Faraimo footage
Footage has been revealed from the BBC iPlayer of Jake Connor and Bureta Faraimo’s hits in last weekend’s rugby league. Connor was slapped with a one-match ban and Faraimo with just a cite after being yellow carded.
Hull made a decision on whether or not to appeal Connor’s ban (see above), whilst Faraimo will be free to play this week. Watch the footage of both incidents here.
Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers confirm Tex Hoy signing
