Hello and welcome to Tuesday's rugby league blog. Today, the big story is over at Salford Red Devils, who have secured a six-figure sum from Salford Council in what has been branded as 'immediate' financial support. The Red Devils have had a turbulent time off the field of late, but they continue to produce the goods on the field with a spirited side.
Elsewhere, a New Zealand half-back could be on his way to the UK in another Rugby League Live transfer scoop, with features elsewhere with Leeds Rhinos prop Justin Sangare, who has revealed the key to his early season success.
Key Events
Willie Peters heralds 'best halfback in Super League'
Willie Peters believes George Williams is the best halfback in Super League, with the Warrington Wolves star primed to return against Hull KR this Thursday. Williams was a surprise inclusion in the Wire squad set to make the trip to Craven Park this weekend, with the ankle injury that has seen him miss the last two games expected to see him miss at least another week of action.
'It doesn't need checking'
Paul Wellens believes the pitch at the Totally Wicked Stadium is in no worse condition than any other Super League ground. The St Helens head coach was asked about the state of the surface following comments made by Leigh Leopards boss Adrian Lam, who stated his players are still 'heavy-legged' following Friday's clash.
Wellens also gave his thoughts on Konrad Hurrell's ban, and provided an injury update.
Adrian Lam on the St Helens pitch...
I think the players are still quite heavy-legged, and we've had to readjust the schedule to make sure they're freshened up. But there were a lot of complaints about the heaviness of the field. No disrespect to St Helens and the ground, but the feedback was that it was very heavy underfoot, and three or four other players had tight calves and strains as well. It's something we're disappointed about, but we can't change that outcome now. I just think that maybe the pitch needs to be looked at as well to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else.
Leeds Rhinos' Rohan Smith defends James Bentley
Leeds Rhinos boss Rohan Smith insists James Bentley has shown signs of constraint so far this season after accusing opponents of trying to get under his skin.
Bentley will miss Leeds Rhinos' trip to Leigh Leopards on Friday after being charged for striking. The incident occurred when he appeared to use his elbow on Tariq Sims after the Catalans forward had tackled him while he was on the floor.
It's the latest ban for Bentley, whose disciplinary record has improved in recent times. And while Leeds won't contest the ban, Smith believes his past reputation can come back to hurt him.
Smith said: "James has a bit of a reputation, but I think it's been inaccurately framed of late. He's reacted a couple of times in that game, which we need to work on, it's not OK to react. But also, he got a clip around the jaw and pushed into a concrete wall, so those moments of brief reaction need to be attended to, no doubt."
NQ Cowboys make Jake Clifford call
Former Hull FC half-back Jake Clifford is set to play in the Queensland Cup this weekend, missing out on the North Queensland Cowboys side for their NRL opener. The Cowboys meet the Dolphins on Sunday.
Leigh Leopards discover brutal John Asiata and Tom Briscoe injury verdicts
Leigh Leopards have received two further significant injury setbacks, with Tom Briscoe and John Asiata both set for long spells on the sidelines. The pair suffered calf tears during the club's defeat to St Helens last Friday, and scans have confirmed both players have suffered grade two tears.
It means that both will miss a minimum of six weeks, which will leave them without the pair, as well as star hooker Edwin Ipape, until the end of April. Ipape ruptured his MCL minutes into the start of the season. It leaves the Leopards without three regular starters from last year's successful side ahead of their game with Leeds Rhinos.
"It's between six weeks and onwards, so it's long-term for both of them," Lam said. "It's the same amount of time without Edwin as well, so we're going to be without those three for a long time at the start of the season. But I'm OK with that, to be honest. It's not ideal and completely different to what we've had in the past, and I'm sure that will improve as the season goes on.
"But it's an opportunity for someone else to put their hand up and take the reins of the team in the middle there. We'll change our game up there slightly to adjust, but from experience, teams that lose their most influential and star players at the start of the season, the ones that learn to play without them definitely benefit and go to another level when they come back and are there or thereabouts at the end of the season."
Hull FC boss Tony Smith reflects on coach meeting and airs concern with sin bin decision
Tony Smith believes the Super League coach's meeting held last week was a 'productive' exercise. Coaching representatives from all twelve clubs met for a pre-planned meeting with the RFL to discuss the issues that have dominated the start of the new season.
On the agenda were the cards and suspensions handed out so far this year, with many figures within the game agreeing that the RFL have gone too strict and too severe with their tighter head contact laws, one of which, accidental head-on-head contact, was amended last week after a crazy red card to Hull FC's Fa'amanu Brown.
However, the meeting was, in the eyes of Smith, a step in the right direction, but there are still question marks and clarity sought on some of the decisions and subsequent punishments, with Smith highlighting one incident in the Leeds Rhinos vs Catalans Dragons match last Saturday. The Airlie Birds' head coach also commented on the sin bin for Hull FC loan winger Matty Russell last Sunday, who was yellow-carded for a high tackle.
Hull FC opt for different Perpignan travel plan
Hull FC head to the South of France to take on Catalans Dragons in Perpignan this Saturday evening, but they will be taking a different travel route this time around.
Hull KR name unchanged squad to face Warrington Wolves
Hull KR have named an unchanged 21-man squad for Thursday’s clash with Warrington. Willie Peters will select from the same group of players selected for last week’s defeat at Salford.
Why Hull FC won't be appealing Jack Brown's suspension as club call made
Hull FC won't be appealing Jack Brown's one-match suspension. The club have decided against an independent tribunal process, with the prop having a history of recent charges against him.
Hull Live has been told that's why Brown got the 'higher end' of the Grade B charge, which sees him suspended for Saturday's clash at Catalans Dragons. The prop was charged for a 'dangerous lift' tackle in Sunday's win over London Broncos.
Hull FC look for ideal spine solution as Tex Hoy given chance to win back place
Hull FC found a way to win against London Broncos. They left it late, and they certainly made hard work of it, but they got over the line despite missing 13 players to injury and suspension.
Yet one of the biggest talking points, following a late Morgan Smith winner and a vital two points, was the decision to leave Tex Hoy out. As reported by Hull Live when the team news broke, it was a selection decision. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Canberra Raiders make Morgan Smithies decision ahead of NRL season opener
Morgan Smithies will make his NRL debut this weekend after being named in Canberra's starting line-up to face Newcastle Knights. The forward, who has made the decision to test himself down under, has been rewarded by being named at loose forward for their season opener on Thursday (9 AM GMT).
The Raiders paid Wigan a six-figure transfer fee to secure Smithies, who was a key part of the Warriors' success as they won last year's Super League Grand Final. He will also come up against another former Wigan player to make the move to Australia. Kai Pearce-Paul, who was also part of the Wigan side that won at Old Trafford last season, has been named on the bench for the Knights. Will Pryce has been named as a reserve.
Smithies was made aware that he would be given his debut this week, with his parents flying out to present him with his jersey. In footage captured by the Raiders, Smithies said: "Like my dad said, it's always been a big dream of mine to come over here and play in the NRL, and I'm excited to do so.
"I'd just like to thank Stick for getting me over here and putting the trust in me, and all the coaching staff as well who have been class so far. I'd like to thank all you boys as well for making it so easy to transition over here. I was a bit nervous to start with but you boys have been class and I'm excited to make my debut for such a great club."
UK supporters will be able to watch both Smithies and Pearce-Paul in action. The game will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Arena on Thursday morning at 9 AM.
Salford council gave Red Devils £315,000 in 'immediate' financial support
Salford Red Devils have been given £315,000 from the council in "immediate" financial support.
The rugby league club, who play at Salford Community Stadium, said the money will help to secure its financial sustainability. The funds were sent to Salford City Reds Limited on February 28 after a request from the club, which was put in special measures over its finances last year.
'Complete player' Justin Sangare enthuses about Leeds Rhinos teammate
Slimline Justine Sangare has shed the pounds and reaped the rewards with Leeds. The tall France prop helped bash his fellow countrymen into submission on Saturday.
Sangare got stuck in as Rhinos inflicted Catalans’ first defeat of the campaign. And he revealed losing some timber has helped him finally nail down a starting spot in Rohan Smith’s side.
Sangare, who turns 26 on Thursday, said: “I’m very, very happy with that because I have had a hard pre-season. I really looked at my food intake and what I eat to make sure I can be as fit as I can be. I did that to give myself every chance.
“And I am a lot lighter. I was 120 kilos but I’m down to 115 now. I feel better for it. I went through the process with the coaches here, they helped me a lot and now we can see it on the pitch."
New Zealand halfback Paul Turner closing in on UK move after NRL appearances
Paul Turner looks set to become the next overseas player to make the move to the UK. Rugby League Live understands the playmaker is keen on taking up a new opportunity and has received interest about a move to the Northern Hemisphere.
The Kiwi, 23, qualifies for a Governing Body Endorsement and appears increasingly likely to make the move from Australia. He is currently contracted to St George Illawarra Dragons until the end of the season and was named in their top 30 squad.
Turner has made eleven NRL appearances during his career and featured in the 2023 All Stars game. Last season, he played 17 times for the Dragons' New South Wales Cup side, scoring three tries and producing six assists as he played in the halves.
Featherstone Rovers are thought to be interested in Turner, with the club currently on the lookout for a new playmaker following the departure of captain Ben Reynolds, who signed for Super League side Hull KR for an undisclosed fee.
Turner has also previously played for New Zealand Warriors and Gold Coast. He made seven appearances for the Titans in 2022 under the watch of former St Helens coach, Justin Holbrook. It's believed that London Broncos were interested in Turner during the off-season before they eventually secured a deal for Jack Campagnolo, but Turner has remained on the market since.
Another current NRL player, Zac Fulton is also on the market currently and is thought to have strong interest from a number of clubs, including Bradford Bulls.
