welshmagpie

Had a pint on tap in the south Wales valley town of Pontymister. Decent tipple. Lots of ABK branding around the pub but no mention of rugby league and/or Super League.

Massive thanks for the clarification @Archie Gordon - a rosier picture than met the eye. Thank you.

Tried to find accurate info online and could only find a 4 team U16s league and a 3 team U14s league. Anyone able to confirm? I’m pretty sure in previous seasons there was an U12s league and leagues of 6+ teams for each age group. Sad to see as we know the talent that London can produce can only be sustained through deeper roots.

Heritage. For Welsh born… Henry Parker at Salford, Leigh were sniffing too as he had a few sessions with their first team squad in pre-season.

Looks like World Cup qualifiers with France, Ukraine and Serbia according to Brad Walter on X/Twitter

Keep an eye on Junior Westwood, a half-back in Warrington’s academy. Likewise, Daniel Hetherington at Wakefield - rapid!

A real shame Boston have dropped the Thirteens branding. It was strong and unique. Bears isn’t really them.

20 this year

10 tries already this season for Billy Walkley, a product of the south Wales Rugby League scene. A bright future indeed and one to keep an eye on. He’s played and captained Wales at U16 and U19 level before featuring for Salford’s reserves, earning a squad number for the 2023 season before heading to Keighley.

Paul are you stating this as something you’ve been reliably told or just guessing at?

Thanks for the shout. Yes there’s a couple missed off your fantastic list whilst one or two aren’t eligible (Connor Holliday being one). End of May on social media for my Wales list mate

https://viaoccitanie.tv/video-replay-toulouse-olympique-xiii-vs-whitehaven-rlfc/

The replay can be viewed on their website. It was geoblocked whilst live.

Where’s the Elite One grand final being held mate?

I don’t think you can underestimate the enormity of these two appointments. Brilliant stuff.