Another week, another wave of exciting developments in the world of Rugby League.
As the split to `Super 8s’ and `Qualifiers’ looms ever nearer, the landscape in all three divisions remains as mysterious as ever. The defining phrase used by the RFL at the start of this season was ‘Every Minute Matters’, and – whilst that hasn’t always been the case – it is as near to being accurate as anyone could have wished for.
Many had expected that, by this week, the divisions in which almost all teams would be playing, come August, would be clearly defined. Instead of which, with just two rounds to go we’re still biting our nails and contemplating every possible outcome. So to help ease the pressure, we have put together another cracking paper that we can’t wait for you to read.
If you’ve not got yourself a copy by now, here are seven reasons why you’re going to love it.
1. The long anticipated, eagerly awaited arrival of legendary Australian coach, Tim Sheens finally happened last week. We wasted no time in grabbing a chat with the man himself, to talk about the plans he already has in place for the Salford Red Devils.
2. How many times has a Championship side signed an NRL prop? Well, Leigh Centurions have just done it for the second time in under a year, signing Melbourne Storm prop, Dayne Weston, to follow in the footsteps of the iconic Fuifui Moimoi. All the details of the signing are on page two of this week’s paper.
3. In this week’s ‘Talking Rugby League’ Martyn Sadler suggests that Lizzie Jones, wife of the late Danny Jones, should be made a Rugby League ambassador. It is a heartfelt piece that shouldn’t be missed.
4. Our paper wouldn’t be the same, without Garry Schofield sharing his views on our great game, so we are delighted this week to have his enlightening dissection of the game between Wigan and Leeds, particularly focusing on the value of the great Sean O’Loughlin.
5. From boss of the referee’s to head coach at Featherstone. It has been a manic week at the Rovers, with Andy Hay leaving the club on Monday to be succeeded on Friday by Jon Sharp. There has been little time for Sharp to rest, but he still found time to speak to League Express, to give us this week’s Championship News round-up.
6. It has been another great week of Rugby League action on the field. Victories for Hull FC, Salford and Widnes point to an incredibly exciting conclusion in the race to avoid dropping to the middle eights, whilst Halifax and Sheffield took massive strides towards securing their spot in the fight for promotion. As always, we give you the best, most extensive coverage of all the games, across all the divisions around the country.
7. Our world famous Mailbag is as action-packed as ever, with some wonderfully entertaining letters from our readers. We have several topics this week, ranging from the perennial – the BBC’s coverage of Rugby League – to the ongoing, and thoroughly entertaining, debate about discipline at Leigh Centurions.
League Express is available right now, in all good stores.
