Rugby League News: Koukash speculation, Charnley questions ban & Castleford Tigers, Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos suffer blows

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…

Koukash speculation

Could Dr Marwan Koukash be heading back into rugby league?! It certainly seems likely after a conversation on Twitter with one fellow rugby league owner.

Koukash left Salford Red Devils back in 2017, just four years after taking over at the AJ Bell Stadium. Read more about his link back here.

Salford’s Lacazette link

Salford Red Devils have been curiously linked to Arsenal footballer Aexandre Lacazette after the Red Devils’ current assistant physio played against him in the under-19s 2010 Euros, The Sun has reported.

Josh Thompson said: ““It may have prolonged my career and being I physio now, I was guilty of maybe overlooking the role when I was playing. Did I give the commitment to them that I expect of patients and players I treat?”

Naiqama on why he left Saints

Kevin Naiqama has told Roosters TV why he left St Helens and Super League to take up a deal with the Sydney Roosters.

The Fijian international won three Grand Finals in a row with Saints and left a champion. Read more about his reasons here.

Reynolds bombshell

Hull FC star Josh Reynolds has told the Sydney Morning Herald how he stood up to a chairman of his former club in a huge bombshell.

Reynolds made his name at Canterbury Bulldogs, but left for Wests Tigers after a period of controversy. Read more here.

Burgess and Sims speculation

Both George Burgess and Tariq Sims have been left out of St George Illawarra Dragons’ team list for this weekend’s game against New Zealand Warriors, the Daily Telegraph has reported.

It has merely fuelled speculation that Sims could be heading for the door…does Super League beckon? Read more here.

Finger lickin’ good

KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) have become major sponsors of one big rugby league club, with their logo set to be shown on the team’s shorts, the Daily Telegraph has reported.

They have signed a two-year deal which runs until the end of 2023. Read more here.

Cas, Leeds and Hull blows

Serious About Rugby League has revealed their Injury Corner which details all those that missed the weekend’s action just gone or suffered an injury in round four.

Castleford Tigers, Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC suffered casualties following their victory, victory and loss respectively. Read more here.

Odsal under scrutiny

Bradford Bulls and Odsal have been put under scrutiny after latest images of the ground and track surrounding the pitch were shared on social media.

The RFL were approached by Serious About Rugby League for comment who said that: “I think it’s down to the Bulls now in terms of week to week management.” Read more here.

Referee technology abuse

The State of Mind mental health charity has revealed that over 90% of referees want technology strapped to officials to improve the levels of abuse.

The Huddersfield and St Helens Referees Society took the survey in order to gauge referees’ opinions. Read more on the technology here.

Fonua reacts

Castleford Tigers’ new signing Mahe Fonua has reacted to his first victory in Tigers colours following their 33-26 win over Hull FC.

Fonua started in the right centre alongside winger Derrell Olpherts as Castleford managed to scrape home. Read about his reaction here.

Warrington, Saints, Leeds and Wakefield punished

Warrington Wolves, St Helens, Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity have all been punished with a number of their stars incurring bans following the weekend. The likes of Kruise Leeming and Max Jowitt have been handed bans by the Disciplinary Match Review Panel. Read about the rest of those banned here.

You can also read about why Leeming as well as Warrington duo Josh Charnley and Matt Davis have been banned.

Charnley fires shots

After receiving a hefty ban, Warrington Wolves winger Josh Charnley has taken to social media to question the suspension given to him.

Matt Davis was also banned from Warrington’s loss to the Catalans Dragons last Friday night. Read more here.

Marshall’s career

Wigan Warriors winger Liam Marshall has told Wigan Today about what the future holds inside and outside rugby league.

The winger was recently included in Shaun Wane’s England squad and has nailed down a starting spot in the Wigan side. Read more about his future career here.

Mellor return after ‘scary’ injury

Leeds Rhinos forward Alex Mellor has spoken to Leeds Live about a potential return to the Super League fold in the upcoming weeks following his sore neck injury.

Mellor told the publication: “I have followed the 11-day concussion protocol and this is my last day today, so I’m ready to go again.”

Wilkin unhappy

Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin co-hosts the Super League podcast and expressed his dissatisfaction with the refereeing clampdown.

The latest disciplinary enforcement has seen a number of stars given lengthy bans in a bid to curb any foul play. Read more on Wilkin’s comments here.

Sene-Lefao’s news

Featherstone Rovers star Jesse Sene-Lefao has provided a major update after dislocating his shoulder earlier in the season.

The Samoan enforcer has been absent since round one and so has had to watch from the sideline. Read more about his news here.

Sinfield work

There has been a major update on Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield and the work surrounding his image, BBC News has reported.

Sinfield has been one of the major fundraisers for former teammate Rob Burrow and the MND Association ever since Burrow’s diagnosis back in November 2019. Read more here.