League Express

Garry Schofield’s top six for 2020 The start of the new Super League season is less than six weeks away, and I’ve already predicted how the bottom half of the table will look in September. Here’s how I see the top half... https://www.totalrl.com/garry-schofields-top-six-for-2020/

Where to start this week? It’s been another busy week in the world of rugby league, and as well as the opening weekend of the new League 1 season, this week’s edition has all the biggest stories from the sport. We’ve got more details on Wayne Bennett’s impending appointment as England coach – as well as a twist in the story reported last week concerning Castleford’s Daryl Powell joining him in the national setup...plus, there’s more details on the proposed Test against New Zealand in Denver. There’s a big meeting in the sport this week – and we’ve got details of something which could have a huge impact on the future of League 1. Third-tier fans, don’t miss this week’s edition. Leeds return to England with their pride intact – but no World Club Challenge trophy. Hear from their key men after the defeat to Melbourne on Friday. Wakefield fans, we ask your coach about the rumours linking NRL sides with a move for Tom Johnstone – and Chris Chester has got plenty to say.. There’s off-field news at Salford – where we reveal the ins and outs of their latest accounts, which were recently filed several months late. Wigan director Kris Radlinski has got high ambitions for rugby league and the Warriors – he’s targeting a worldwide tour in the future. Read our exclusive interview with him this week. Hear from Oliver Roberts – who reveals why he turned down the NRL to stay at Huddersfield. There’s an impassioned plea from Catalans coach Steve McNamara.. who is asking for time to rebuild the Dragons. In shops now and also available online at www.totalrl.com/le or download the League Express app to your smartphone or tablet. To order a copy of the print edition for delivery by post or a subscription visit www.totalrl.com/shop

It’s been a long time coming, but FINALLY, Rugby League is back. And it’s not taken any time at all for the action to start flying. Thankfully for you, we’ve got it all covered. From match reports the reaction, to news to opinion, we have 36 pages of content you don’t want to miss. Here’s what you can find inside: Shaun Wane and Lee Radford hype the trip to Australia as Wigan and Hull FC prepare for battle down under. The latest on Manu Vatuvei’s injury status, and how Salford plan to replace him. Ryan Hampshire scored his first Wakefield try last week, he’s been speaking to us about the move so far. Jamie Jones-Buchanan previews Leeds’ Elland Road appearance. Jermaine McGillvary provides us an exclusive update on his fitness One MP urges the sport to capitalise on hosting the 2021 World Cup. We have the latest from the bookmakers as one club has the odds slashed. Ryan Brierley made a triumphant return to Leigh with Toronto. He took time out to speak to us. Garry Schofield reflects on the opening round of the year. There’s all that, plus news from every single club from Super League down to League 1, along with match reports from every single game. You can buy in stores from Monday, or download it online now at totalrl.com/le

The New Year is upon us, and while many people may be waking up with sore heads on Monday, for the Rugby League folk among us, at least they’ll wake up with the comfort that League Express is back with a brand-spanking new edition. Inside this week’s paper we have all the latest, untold news from all the clubs up and down the country, along with our regular columns and much more. Here’s a taster of what you’ll find inside: If there was a new year resolution between clubs and the RFL to stop bickering, it hasn’t lasted long at all! We disclose information of a fallout between Championship clubs regarding a television deal including Toronto. One World Cup star player is set to sign a new long-term deal with the club. We reveal who. Lee Radford gives the biggest hint yet as to who the new Hull FC captain will be. We have an update on the takeover of Salford. It’s positive news… The very latest on Catalans’ pursuit of Michael McIlorum. Justin Holbrook gives us a fresh update on Alex Walmsley’s Saints future. New Year, new Garry Schofield? Yeah right! The Legend gives his typically controversial predictions for the upcoming season. We reveal the winners of our League Express Readers Poll. Find out who you voted for inside. And we also list the winners since we first started seeking a League Express Player of the Year in 1999. In the culmination of our running series, we reveal the most significant moments of 2017. Our editor Martyn Sadler gives the incoming RFL President Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester, some advice about what he might do to help Rugby League. There’s all of that, along with the latest news from Championship and League 1 plus all the latest from the amateur game. League Express is in stores on New Year's Day, but you can also get it online here totalrl.com/le.

A new book from League Publications Ltd The 2017 Super League season was one to remember and the reason was simple: Castleford Tigers. From the beginning of pre-season in November 2016, the noises emanating from the club were all focused on achieving something special, something that the town had never witnessed or experienced before. Well, the 2017 season was quite like no other. Whilst playing a superb brand of Rugby League that thrilled, entertained and wowed not only the Castleford supporters but Rugby League fans far and wide, the Tigers achieved a first-place finish and a Super League Grand Final appearance for the first time in the club’s 91-year history. This book is a dedication to the 2017 season that will live long in the memory of all those associated with Castleford Tigers. Due for publication on 12th December 2017 Click here to reserve your copy now!

First Spanish Rugby League coaches qualified The Asociación Española de Rugby League (AERL) has hosted its first technical course with 24 new local coaches receiving their Level 1 certificate after the two-day gathering in Albal, Valencia. Six clubs were present - Irreductibles Mislata RL, RL Albal Valencian Warriors, Rugby Sciences Valencia, CR Edetans Montcada, Alzira Rugby Club, UER Montcada – in addition to a delegation from Madrid, to receive instruction from RLEF Coaching Manager Martin Crick and fellow tutor, Spanish-speaking Tiziano Franchini from the Federazione Italiana Rugby League. The AERL hailed the: “Extraordinary work of Martin and Tiziano and the great atmosphere created by the course. Thanks to the RLEF the work that was carried out has been unforgettable for all of Spanish rugby league,” said secretary general Aitor Davila. Juan Pablo Range from Irreductibles Mislata RL added: "Everyone is more engaged and eager to grow this project now. Today we all have clear concepts and even more enthusiasm and love for rugby league." Gonzalo Morro of Valencia Sciences commented: "Having professionals like Martin and Tiziano for the whole weekend was a luxury - today I feel like a great professional." The AERL expects to run a five-match club championship this year.

League Express editorial, 20th Jan 2014 Is peace breaking out? http://www.totalrl.com/web/peace-breaking/ (Online poll: How do you feel about the RFL's 2x12 & 3x8 plan to restructure the leagues in 2015?)

On Sunday October 13 the original Rugby League World Cup trophy will go back on public display at the Midland Hotel in Bradford, from where it was famously stolen, over 40 years ago, on the night of Sunday, November 1 1970. RFL Historian Tony Collins commented: “The disappearance for 20 years of the Rugby League World Cup trophy is one of the great sporting mysteries but fortunately it is one with a happy ending and it will be a little slice of sporting history when it re-appears in the lobby at the Midland Hotel in Bradford” Click here to view the article

Rugby League World Magazine turns its attentions towards this autumn’s World Cup with a bumper preview of the event in this month’s issue, online now and in shops Fri 11th Oct. Every side is analysed and assessed in a comprehensive team-by-team guide, while Robbie Hunter-Paul gives his verdict on whether England can topple giants Australia and New Zealand to lift the trophy. Jamie Jones-Buchanan speaks to one man looking to write another chapter in his own World Cup legacy – Wales coach Iestyn Harris, who twice made the semi-finals as a player. We also look back on Great Britain’s famous World Cup triumph over Australia in Paris 1972. Elsewhere, we look at Wigan’s stunning Grand Final win over Warrington at Old Trafford, and pay tribute to the careers of both Shaun McRae and Steve Menzies as they head back to Australia. In the Championships, we focus on Mitchell Stringer’s role in Sheffield Eagles’ success this season, and Rochdale Hornets’ historic play-off final win over Oldham. With regular columnists Dave Hadfield, Steve Mascord and Nigel Wiskar also taking their monthly looks at the sport, it’s another packed edition of Rugby League World.

Hull FC have signed Bath rugby union winger Tom Biggs. The 29-year-old, who was originally spotted when a schoolboy at Hymers College, says it’s a dream come true. Click here to view the article

RLWC2013 in partnership with the Salford-based social landlord, City West Housing Trust, has announced that Children will be admitted free to the international friendly, England v Italy (Salford City Stadium, Saturday October 19, 4.30pm). As part of the same partnership, Under-16s will also be able to watch the preceding match for free (England Knights v Samoa, same venue, 2.00 pm), making it a wonderful international double-header afternoon. “Our match against Italy is an important part of our preparations ahead of Rugby League World Cup 2013," said England coach Steve McNamara, from England’s training camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Click here to view the article

RLWC2013 have announced the full 24-man squads for all competitng nations in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. Click here to view the article

Laurent Perrier Ultra Brut http://www.laurent-perrier.com/en/#vins/les-vins-de-champagnes/ultra-brut

http://www.laurent-perrier.com/en/#vins/les-vins-de-champagnes Rugby League World Cup 2013 has today announced a sponsorship deal with premier champagne house, Laurent-Perrier, who become the Official Champagne Supplier for RLWC2013. Rugby League World Cup 2013 kicks off on October 26 with a spectacular Opening Ceremony and double header of matches featuring England against Australia, and Wales taking on Italy. To make sure you’ll BE THERE buy now at: www.rlwc2013.com/tickets or call the 24-hour Ticket Hotline on 0844 847 2013. Click here to view the article

Rugby League World Cup 2013 has launched a new television advert promoting the Opening Ceremony and double header at the Millennium Stadium on October 26. View the ad here: bit.ly/rlwc2013ad Fans at Saturday evening’s Super League Grand Final were given an exclusive first look at the video, which features England players Gareth Widdop, Sam Burgess, Tom Briscoe, Kevin Sinfield and Sam Tomkins. Click here to view the article