World News – UK – Rugby League News: Latest updates from across the game

Hello and welcome to today’s live rugby league blog where we will bring you the latest news and rumors throughout the day.

The curtain falls on the 2020 season tonight as Wigan Warriors and St. Helens fight for the Super League crown at the KCOM Stadium.

The construction of the grand finale will continue all day and we will also look to the next year.

The 2021 campaign starts on 11. March, later than usual, but earlier than most people expect.

Kevin Sinfield is one of those people, and the Leeds Rhinos rugby director also has an impact on the Super League clubs’ recruiting challenges.

We’ll keep you updated on the top stories elsewhere in the sport, including the latest news from the NRL.

Young center-back Lucas Albert has left Catalans Dragons to join Carcassonne in the French Elite 1 championship.

The 22-year-old made his Super League debut for Catalans in 2015, scoring six attempts in 50 games for the French team.

« I’ve had six great seasons at the club, » he said. “I want to thank everyone for their support during my time with the Dragons. Despite a difficult season, I’m going on good terms. ”

Catalan head coach Steve McNamara said: « I don’t see this as the end for Lucas, but rather as a new opportunity.

« He’s been 16 years old. Year of life in the club and the change in the environment will revive his love for the game. ”

Adrian Lam believes Lachlan Coote and Bevan French have the potential to make today’s grand final between St. Light up Helens and Wigan.

« I think both of them have excelled this year, both are very influential to their teams, » the Wigan coach told Wigan Today.

“Which side can tame the other best can influence the game.

« But I’m happy for the fans at home who can’t come to the game. You have to see players like this because they are both exciting, both have an X-factor, and are important to their teams. « . ”

The 2021 Rugby League World Cup organizers have marked the 12-month countdown to the final by handing out £ 10m in large grants for the community game.

The spending is part of a government grant of 25 million in 2016. GBP to ensure the tournament leaves a lasting legacy. It is made in partnership with the Rugby Football League, Sport England and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Victoria Park ARLFC in Warrington, which will host the majority of the World Cup for physical disabilities, has 600. £ 000 for the creation of a new 3G field while the other main beneficiaries are Thatto Heath Crusaders in St. Helens and Siddal are. from Halifax.

World Cup boss Jon Dutton said, “Exactly a year before our final at Old Trafford, our social impact program is really making a difference.

“As a purpose-built tournament, we would like to use the next 12 months to continue this much-needed investment program through the UK government’s promise for the tournament. ”

Charles Johnston, Director of Property at Sport England said, “To ensure that the 2021 Rugby League World Cup legacy is as impactful as possible, it is great to see more life changing investments in community clubs and organizations in the regions see who will play a role in hosting the event. ”

Kevin Sinfield has made the decision to stick to one of the top six play-off series in 2021.

The format was changed from the top 5 to the top 4 in the middle of the year when it became apparent that the clubs would have trouble completing all of their games in the regular season, and it was later changed again to reflect the cancellation a large number of games due to offset positive Covid-19 tests.

« I thought it worked out pretty well this year, » Sinfield said. “My favorite was always the top 5, but I like the fact that the top two teams are rewarded with a week off and they have the best chance of reaching the grand finale.

A delayed start to the 2021 season caused by a seven-week extension to the 2020 season will give clubs more time to build their squads, although Kevin Sinfield expected it even longer.

The Super League has announced that the new season will start on Nov.. March starts and on 9. November ends, fourteen days before the start of the World Cup.

« I was a bit surprised, » Sinfield said. “I think we expected it to be late March or early April, but I think it gives us a lot of time.

« We have a bigger preseason than in a few years and we have a chance to let everyone rest. « .

« I think it was difficult both physically and mentally for the players who had to make more sacrifices than usual. « . ”

The effects of the coronavirus pandemic in the UK are hindering Super League clubs overseas recruitment plans for 2021, according to Leeds Rugby Director Kevin Sinfield.

The rhinos have yet to announce a new addition for next year, and according to Sinfield, Covid-19 is a deterrent for Australians and New Zealanders.

« Some clubs have done really good business, but many have found that Covid has hit pretty hard and we are in particular. « .

« And when you look at the overseas market and the NRL, the players are very careful when it comes to making the move here.

« People are looking at the UK and how we’ve dealt with Covid. This is what they look at in the dark months of November and December when they usually came across something, and I don’t think it’s that appealing to them right now. ”

Wigan Warriors and St. Helens will later fight for the right to claim the Super League trophy at the KCOM Stadium in the Grand Final.

These two were by far the top two in the competition and picking a winner is a real 50/50 call. Both have star quality in abundance, as Hull FC and Catalans found out in the semi-finals, and neither deserves to end the season empty-handed. I assume Wigan will make it. Wigan

From climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks twice in 24 hours to having a racehorse named in his honor, it’s been a year of incredible fundraising for rugby league legend Rob Burrow.

The Leeds Rhinos great were diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND) at the end of last year. He has since lost his voice and is now using a wheelchair.

Burrow’s unbreakable spirit and positive attitude were inspiring. Countless people have faced grueling challenges raising money for MND research.

There can’t be much harder than what Jason Netherton, Ben Cockayne, and a group of friends are facing this weekend.

New Hull FC head coach Brett Hodgson says he has high hopes of adding a new center-back to his squad.

The blacks and whites are currently in the spine following Albert Kelly’s departure last month and the club has made adding a new creative effort to the roster a recruiting priority.

As the FC hunt for a half on both sides of the world, Hull Live knows they might even be willing to use the Super League marquee rule to find the right man.

Hodgson admits that he would like to see a few more signings before the start of the 2021 season in order to strengthen the depth strength in wide areas and in the middle.

« It’s a very good squad, it’s a capable squad, » said the 42-year-old in his first press conference as head coach.

Brett Hodgson is half way down on Hull FC recruiting as he talks about signings and Jake Connor

A long, busy season is coming to an end tonight, and it’s quite a finale. The Grand Final brings together the two best teams in the Super League in 2020 and it should be a belter.

Wigan Warriors, Rugby League, St. Helens R. . F.. . C.. . , Super League Grand Final