Rugby League News: Connor’s absence explained, Castleford statement & ‘scary’ Leeds injury

Rugby League News – keeping you up to date with the latest news from the world of rugby league.

It has been a busy 24 hours with major stories breaking from Super League and the NRL.

Here is a round-up of everything that has happened…

Racism caused exit from Super League club

Former St Helens great Alan Hunte has told League Express how the club’s inability to deal with racism caused his exit from the club.

Hunte told the paper: “I refused to stay there because there were two incidents involving race, and the club handled them poorly. It was a completely different St Helens board of directors to the one now. Saints are great now, and they come across as such a professional club.”

Inglis in disaster

Former Warrington Wolves centre Greg Inglis has revealed to the Daily Telegraph that he is currently involved in a ‘disaster’ back in his native Australia.

The ex-South Sydney Rabbitohs man spent a season at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, playing just three games. Read more on the ‘disaster’ here.

First disciplinary appeal won

The first Super League disciplinary appeal has been won by a player in 2022 – his original one-match ban will no longer stand.

The appeal was conducted last night and he will subsequently be available to play this weekend. Read more here.

KR problems

Hull Live has revealed that Hull KR have had a major problem this week that will hinder their preparations to face St Helens on Friday night. It means that Rovers will have to play the reigning champions with even more odds stacked against them than previously. Read more here.

There has also been a major update on one of KR’s star players – Lachlan Coote.

Wane’s England squad

Shaun Wane has named his first England Train-On squad ahead of the 2022 World Cup at the end of the season. A number of teams have been represented with the likes of St Helens, Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors enjoying numerous call-ups. Read more here.

Shaun Wane also explained Jake Connor’s absence from the England set-up here.

Beaumont reacts

Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont has reacted to news of fan violence at Leigh’s home game against Widnes Vikings on Monday night. Read his response here.

The Challenge Cup fifth round tie was fiercely contested until the Centurions ran out 38-4 winners. Read more on the trouble here.

Castleford and Hull KR statement

Castleford Tigers and Hull KR have both made a statement concerning an ‘incident’ in the away end during the Tigers’ away fixture at Craven Park last week.

Both have released a damning statement with a major punishment expected for the perpetrators. Read more here.

Mellor in training

Alex Mellor has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that he is now back in light training following the horrendous neck injury sustained against Wigan.

Sinfield bombshell

Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield has revealed to the Ventur Further podcast just why he left Leeds Rhinos last year.

His move to rugby union raised a few eyebrows and he has now responded with a bombshell statement about his exit and his inspiration for it. Read more here.

Challenge Cup semi-finals

The venue, TV details, date and kick-off times have been revealed for the Challenge Cup semi-finals later in the year.

St Helens are the reigning champions and will join the draw – like the other Super League sides – in the sixth round. Read more on the TV details, venue and dates here.

Peet on debutant and French

Matty Peet revealed in his pre-match press conference ahead of Wigan’s fixture against Toulouse on Saturday that there will be a debutant for the Warriors this weekend.

Peet also gave an update on Bevan French and when he will come into the reckoning. Read more here.

Ex-Cas man in shock brain injury revelation

A former Castleford Tigers star has made a shock revelation about his injuries following retirement, on the Spirit of Sport podcast.

He spoke about how he has been on medication for seizures and a brain injury. Read more here.

Refereeing appointments

The RFL has revealed its refereeing appointments for this weekend’s fixtures with a few surprise choices and again a big omission.

Chris Kendall has been given the major gig following recent controversy. Read more here.

Agar’s squad changes

Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar has named his 21-man squad for this weekend’s fixture against Wakefield Trinity with a number of changes.

There has also been an update given on one of Leeds’ new signings. Read more here.

Ford ‘weighing up’ options

Former Toulouse Olympique halfback Johnathon Ford is said to be ‘weighing up’ his options after being linked with a move to English-based teams.

Ford left Toulouse following a period of uncertainty and now Rugby League Live has revealed that he is close to joining another club.