MARTYN SADLER reflects on the rise of the Red Devils Until recently I was highly sceptical of the claims of those people who say that a boisterous crowd can have a significant impact on the outcome of a sporting contest. But now I’m beginning to change my mind. Rugby League clubs often refer to their supporters as the eighteenth man…
Read More
MARTYN SADLER, the editor of League Express, pays tribute to a club that has enjoyed some remarkable ups and downs throughout its history. Sheffield Eagles have had some tough times since that glorious day in 1998 when they defeated Wigan 17-8 at the old Wembley Stadium. I can remember their skipper that day, Paul Broadbent, still walking around the stadium…
Read More
Super League chief executive Robert Elstone clearly admires many things about the NRL, as we saw earlier this season when he introduced the golden point and shot-clocks to Super League, while making it obvious that he would like to go further by introducing the same refereeing system that operates in the NRL, with two referees. I don’t know whether two…
Read More
League Express editor MARTYN SADLER reacts to the news that a new club in Ottawa now looks likely to enter the RFL’s competitions in 2021, rather than 2020. Anyone who gets the chance should view this week’s Rugby League Backchat programme on the Freesports TV channel this Thursday at 5.00pm. And if you can’t get access to Freesports, then you…
Read More
July 19th marks the 80th anniversary of Harold Wagstaff’s untimely death. The Giants Supporters Association and Huddersfield Rugby League Heritage have put this piece together marking his anniversary, which we are delighted to reproduce. Harold Wagstaff, the ‘Prince of Centres’, died 80 years ago today on 19 July 1939, at the age of 48. Harold was born at Underbank on…
Read More
Leigh Centurions have confirmed that Gareth Hock has announced his playing retirement with immediate effect. The former international forward announced his decision to the coaching staff and players last night at training. Gareth Hock said: “It’s been a hard, emotional couple of weeks, especially last night, telling the team, staff and my family that I’m retiring from Rugby League. “I’ve…
Read More
Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that they have signed Papua New Guinean international second row Rhyse Martin, 26, from NRL side Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on a two and half year contract with immediate effect. Martin kicked 36 goals from 38 attempts in his debut season with the Bulldogs in 2018 for a 94.7% success rate. He played 14 matches last season, scoring…
Read More
Wigan Warriors outlasted Leeds Rhinos tonight at Headingley, winning 14-23 with the help of a last-minute try by prop forward Tony Clubb. But the big news to come out of Headingley tonight is that Leeds captain Kallum Watkins will leave Headingley at the end of the month to join the NRL’s Gold Coast Titans on a long term contract, although…
Read More
Coral Challenge Cup Bradford Bulls 24 Leeds Rhinos 22 Catalans Dragons 62 Doncaster 6 Salford Red Devils 18 Hull Kingston Rovers 32 Betfred League 1 Coventry Bears 41 Workington Town 30 London Skolars 19 North Wales Crusaders 18 NRL Telstra Premiership Canterbury Bulldogs 10 Newcastle Knights 22 New Zealand Warriors 26 St George Illawarra Dragons 18 Melbourne Storm 64 Parramatta…
Read More
Former Halifax coach Richard Marshall has issued a statement, following his shock sacking by the club last night, which reveals that he would like to find a new role in Rugby League. Here is his statement in full. “It is with regret that my time at Halifax has come to an end. Both parties agree that it is time to…
Read More