Tag: Tables

Hull FC and Hull KR will kick off the 2024 Betfred Super League season at the MKM Stadium on Thursday, February 15; the full fixtures for next year will be revealed at 8.30am tomorrow; For the first time, watch every game of the 2024 Super League season live on Sky Sports

A Hull derby will kick off the 2024 Betfred Super League season, with every match to be shown live on Sky Sports.

Cross-city rivals Hull FC and Hull KR meet at the MKM Stadium in the season-opener on Thursday, February 15.

The match-up was announced on Thursday evening as all 12 clubs confirmed their first home games of next year.

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Hull FC claimed the bragging rights the last time they met Hull KR in the Betfred Super League, winning 16-6 at Sewell Group Craven Park

Friday, February 16 sees three matches taking place as Leeds Rhinos host Salford Red Devils, St Helens welcome promoted London Broncos, and Leigh Leopards face Huddersfield Giants.

Castleford Tigers’ new head coach Craig Lingard faces arguably the toughest opening game possible as they host reigning champions Wigan Warriors on Saturday, February 17.

The other game that day see Grand Final runners-up Catalans Dragons welcome Warrington Wolves to Stade Gilbert Brutus.

After travelling to their rivals on opening night, Hull KR face Leeds in their first home game on Thursday, February 22, at the start of Round 2.

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Highlights of the 2023 Betfred Super League Grand Final between Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons

The Broncos’ first home game back in Super League sees them host Catalans at Wimbledon’s Cherry Red Records Stadium the following night, with Warrington welcoming Hull FC to the Halliwell Jones Stadium on the same day.

Huddersfield’s first home match is against St Helens on Saturday, February 24, while Wigan are pencilled in to face Leigh in the ‘Battle of the Borough’ at the DW Stadium.

The second round of the 2024 Super League season is rounded off by Salford hosting Castleford Tigers on Sunday, February 25.

The full fixture list for next year’s regular season will be announced at 8.30am on Thursday, November 23.

Betfred Super League 2024 opening fixtures

Round 1

Thursday, February 15: Hull FC vs Hull KR.

Friday, February 16: Leeds Rhinos vs Salford Red Devils, St Helens vs London Broncos, Leigh Leopards vs Huddersfield Giants.

Saturday, February 17: Castleford Tigers vs Wigan Warriors, Catalans Dragons vs Warrington Wolves.

Round 2

Thursday, February 22: Hull KR vs Leeds Rhinos.

Friday, February 23: London Broncos vs Catalans Dragons, Warrington Wolves vs Hull FC.

Saturday, February 24: Huddersfield Giants vs St Helens, Wigan Warriors vs Leigh Leopards.

Sunday, February 25: Salford Red Devils vs Castleford Tigers.

Watch every match of the 2024 Betfred Super League season, including Magic Weekend, the play-offs, and men’s, women’s and wheelchair Grand Finals, live on Sky Sports. Also stream with NOW.

Kevin Sinfield to run seven ultra-marathons in seven days to raise funds for motor neurone disease; 43-year-old will start in Leeds, then head to Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin and Brighton before finishing in London; Sinfield has raised millions for MND since Rob Burrow diagnosis

Kevin Sinfield will undertake a new challenge to help those affected by motor neurone disease by running seven ultra-marathons in seven days in December.

Sinfield has raised millions of pounds for MND charities since his former Leeds Rhinos team-mate and great friend Rob Burrow was diagnosed in 2019.

The 43-year-old, currently defence coach of the England men’s rugby union team, will start in Leeds on December 1.

He will then head to Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin and Brighton before finishing in London on December 7, when he runs from Twickenham Stadium to The Mall.

Sinfield will run 27.2 miles a day – full marathon length plus an extra mile to show how people can always do even more to help friends needing support.

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Sinfield says carrying Rob Burrow over the finish line at the Leeds Marathon was ‘really, really special’

This will be Sinfield’s fourth fundraiser, with the former Rhinos man telling the BBC: “I did say last year that the Ultra 7 in 7 would complete the trilogy, but there was always that caveat that Rocky 4 was my favourite Rocky film.”

“For the MND community, every second counts and we will be making the most of every step on this challenge to raise awareness, funds and support for that community.

“The MND community have always given us incredible support and we wanted to find a way we could show that support for more people around the country.

The charities supported by this latest challenge include the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in Leeds.

Donations will also go to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, the Irish MND Association, the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, and the 4ED campaign, with the latter supporting former Leicester rugby union player Ed Slater.

Slater, who also represented Gloucester and Nottingham, was diagnosed with MND in 2022.

Bevan French is the first Wigan Warriors player to win the Betfred Super League Man of Steel award since Sam Tomkins in 2012; Jack Welsby and Tom Johnstone were also nominated; Sinead Peach and Lewis King win the Women’s and Wheelchair awards

Bevan French has been named as this year’s winner of the prestigious Steve Prescott MBE Betfred Super League Man of Steel award.

The Wigan Warriors stand-off, who was previously nominated for Super League’s player-of-the-year award in 2020, was given the accolade after playing a pivotal role in his side winning the League Leaders’ Shield and reaching Saturday’s Grand Final after excelling following his move from the wing to the halves this year.

French, named in this year’s Super League Dream Team, beat off competition from Super League’s joint-leading try-scorer and star for Wigan’s opponents Catalans Dragons at Old Trafford, Tom Johnstone, and St Helens full-back Jack Welsby to claim the prize.

The Australian is the first Wigan player to win the award since Sam Tomkins, now with Catalans, in 2012 and it marks the 12th time overall a player from the club has been honoured with the accolade since it was instituted in 1977.

Bevan French is the first Wigan player to win Super League’s Man of Steel since Sam Tomkins

French was named as winner at the Rugby League Awards Night in Manchester, with England international hooker Sinead Peach earning the Woman of Steel award for her role in helping York Valkyrie win the League Leaders’ Shield and claim a maiden Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final triumph.

England Wheelchair World Cup winner Lewis King, meanwhile, was named winner of the inaugural Wheels of Steel award for his impressive displays for London Roosters in the Betfred Wheelchair Super League.

In total, 17 awards were handed out at Emirates Old Trafford, with Adrian Lam taking the Super League Coach of the Year prize after overseeing Leigh Leopards lifting the Betfred Challenge Cup for the first time in over half a century and guiding them to a maiden play-off appearance.

Lindsay Anfield won the Women’s Super League equivalent after guiding York to a successful season and England head coach Tom Coyd took the wheelchair prize for his work with London Roosters.

Warrington Wolves winger Josh Thewlis was named as Super League’s Young Player of the Year, while Leeds Rhinos half-back Caitlin Casey took the Women’s Super League young player award and another Rhinos in Josh Butler won the wheelchair equivalent.

As announced before the ceremony, the Glen’s Spirit of Super League Award was presented to the family of Rob Burrow MBE, for their inspirational support of the former Leeds Rhinos and England half-back since his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease four years ago.

Watch the men’s Betfred Super League Grand Final and the Betfred Wheelchair Super League Grand Final live on Sky Sports this weekend. Also stream the best rugby league and more on NOW for £21 a month for six months.

Lebanon international Abbas Miski followed up a hat-trick against Leigh Leopards by scoring four tries as Wigan Warriors defeated Hull Kingston Rovers 64-6; the visitors fielded a much-rotated side ahead of their Betfred Challenge Cup final appearance on Saturday, August 12

Matt Peet praised ‘flawless’ Abbas Miski after the Lebanese winger scored four tries in Wigan Warriors’ 64-6 thrashing of a much-rotated Hull Kingston Rovers side at the DW Stadium.

Peet’s men were in no mood to go easy on a Rovers matchday squad featuring three academy debutants and a trio of short-term signings with more than one eye on next week’s Betfred Challenge Cup final against Leigh Leopards.

Miski’s quadruple followed hot on the heels of a hat-trick against Leigh Leopards last week and continued the remarkable transformation of a player who spent part of his early Wigan career on loan at Betfred Championship side Newcastle Thunder.

“There isn’t a major flaw in his game, he’s worked so hard, he lets his rugby do the talking and he is just a great advert for perseverance and hard work,” Peet said.

“He showed the right attitude when he went to Newcastle, and he is benefiting from that. From a coach’s point of view, he is technically where you want him to be, and he is such a well-rounded player for us.”

Jai Field helped himself to a late hat-trick as Wigan ran in a total of 12 tries to make up for their agonising cup semi-final loss to the same team – albeit with different personnel – at Headingley less than two weeks ago.

“We did a professional job,” Peet said. “It was a different sort of challenge for us, and it was quite difficult to prepare the group.

Jai Field grabbed a hat-trick as Wigan thrashed Hull KR

“I want to pay tribute to Hull KR who brought a young and spirited team and while they lacked some cohesion and experience, I thought their performance was honourable and we had to earn our points.”

Robins boss Willie Peters had no complaints about the result or performance and paid tribute to the way a side featuring just two starters from that Headingley golden-point win kept the hosts at bay for much of the first period.

“The score didn’t reflect the effort and how hard the guys competed,” Peters said.

“It came down to a bit of technical stuff but with Wigan being the quality side that they are, there was a high level of skill there and some really quality tries and it is all about learning for the young guys.”

Hull KR head coach Willie Peters is now focused on next week’s Challenge Cup final

Peters’ attention will now turn to Wembley and fashioning only Rovers’ second Challenge Cup win in their history after their Hull derby triumph in 1980.

And Peters paid tribute to the big names he rested, who made the long journey to the DW Stadium en masse to support their new-look side from the sidelines.

“They came into the dressing room before the game and that highlights the connection we’ve got within the group,” Peters said.

“They met for dinner beforehand and turned up together, and that’s really pleasing to see as a coach. We’re heading into a massive game next week and it’s the teams who are most connected that win the big games.”

Alex Walmsley, Agnatius Paasi, Morgan Knowles and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook were all injured in tackles by Leigh Leopards’ John Asiata; St Helens head coach Paul Wellens hit out at the RFL for lack of punishment for the tackles

St Helens head coach Paul Wellens has accused the RFL of “failing to protect players” in an explosive statement after four of his players were injured during their Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to the Leigh Leopards.

Agnatius Paasi and Alex Walmsley have been ruled out for the remainder of the season with ACL and MCL injuries respectively, Paasi missing at least nine months.

Morgan Knowles is 50/50 to play in St Helens’ Super League clash with Leeds on Friday, while Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook looks set to miss two weeks.

John Asiata, who tackled all four players, was not charged by the match review panel after being cited and Wellens believes the lack of punishment sets a dangerous precedent.

“As a game, we bang the player welfare drum a fair bit and make a lot of effort and make a lot of strides as a game to protect players because ultimately we have a duty of care to protect our players at all times,” Wellens said.

“But, in my opinion, and very few would disagree with me, this weekend, the governing body has failed in its duty to protect its players. On the weekend, we had four players injured by one player.

“One of those has a 50/50 chance of playing this weekend, that is Morgan Knowles. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook will not play for two weeks. Alex Walmsley is today having MCL surgery and will be out for 12 weeks and the fourth, Agnatius Paasi, has torn ankle ligaments and a torn MCL and also will undergo surgery to repair his ACL. He will not play for nine months.

“The RFL, before the match review panel met to adjudicate on those decisions, were provided with detailed medical reports from our medical staff.

“But when I spoke to the MRP who viewed that game they, by 6.30pm on Monday evening after the decision not to charge John Asiata was made, by that point, had still not seen those scan reports.

“What I want to ask is why? Because that is a very different procedure to which Morgan Knowles was subjected to when he was part of a similar scenario after a game on Good Friday in which, unfortunately, Mike Cooper suffered an ACL injury.

“I think it’s important to consider, this isn’t an emotional response after losing a cup game. I congratulate Leigh wholeheartedly for the way they played and wish them all the luck in the final.

“But what we have got to consider when we are making decisions not to charge players who are tackling in that manner is that we give the green light to coaches, players at all levels to be able to tackle like that.”

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Highlights of the Super League match between St Helens and Catalans Dragons

Wellens took his comments further, revealing that if such tackling techniques continue, he would consider taking his son away from playing the community game.

“As I sit here now as someone that loves the game, that doesn’t sit with me well and it doesn’t make me feel comfortable,” he added.

“I have an eight-year-old son who plays at Pilkington Recs with a smile on his face but if that’s the type of tackle we are allowing in games then maybe rugby league is a game I don’t want my son playing anymore. I feel that strongly about it.

“I feel that strongly that Agnatius Paasi, Alex Walmsley, LMS and Morgan Knowles have been severely let down by the governing body.”

Sky Sports News has reached out to the RFL for comment.

Hull KR full-back Coote won three consecutive Super League titles with St Helens between 2019 and 2021 before joining the Robins ahead of the 2022 campaign; the former Scotland and Great Britain international suffered his fifth concussion in two years at Magic Weekend

Lachlan Coote has retired with immediate effect on medical advice following a series of concussions over the past two seasons.

Hull Kingston Rovers full-back Coote won three consecutive Betfred Super League titles with St Helens between 2019 and 2021 before joining the Robins ahead of the 2022 campaign.

The 33-year-old’s professional career also included international recognition with Scotland and Great Britain, in addition to spells with Penrith Panthers and North Queensland Cowboys.

“After suffering another concussion at Magic round, my fifth concussion in less than two years, I knew I was going to be faced with some tough conversations,” Coote told Hull KR’s website.

“With all the support from my coach Willie Peters, [Hull KR CEO] Paul Lakin, [Hull KR owner] Neil Hudgell and the medical team at Hull KR, I have made a very difficult decision to retire immediately.

“Rugby league has always come first before anything, now I think it’s time to put my health, my future, my family first.

“I’m still finding it hard to come to terms with this decision and it has been a very emotional few days, knowing that I will not get to play alongside my team-mates again and finish off what we started.”

Hull KR head coach Willie Peters paid tribute to Lachlan Coote

Australia-born Coote made 27 appearances for Rovers, who sit seventh in the Super League after 15 games.

He scored 161 points for the club, surpassing 1,000 career points during that time.

“On behalf of everyone at Hull KR, we’d like to congratulate Lachlan on a wonderful 15-year career,” Hull KR head coach Peters said. “Lachlan is a proven winner and will no doubt continue that into his retirement.

“It’s a sad situation for Lachlan having to retire halfway through the season. However, his health and family come first and the decision is the right one for him and his family.”

We round up all the key quotes from the Betfred Super League head coaches on Day 2 of Magic Weekend, which saw wins for Leigh Leopards, St Helens and Hull FC…

Contrasting emotions for Applegarth and Lam

Mark Applegarth is still confident he is the right man to lead Wakefield Trinity whichever division they are in next year after they fell to another defeat, this time going down 30-4 at the hands of Leigh Leopards.

The loss was Wakefield’s 14th defeat of the Super League season, and they are now six points behind 11th-placed Castleford Tigers after their neighbours defeated Leeds Rhinos in the last game of Day 1 in Newcastle on Saturday.

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Highlights from the Magic Weekend Super League clash between Wakefield Trinity and Leigh Leopards.

Trinity were beaten despite Leigh having to play a significant part of the match with 12 men following Ben Reynolds’ first-half red card and while Applegarth admitted his frustration at his side’s failure to get off the mark so far in 2023, he still thinks he is the one to oversee their rebuild whether they survive in Super League or end up being relegated to the Betfred Championship.

“I do,” Applegarth said. “It’s a horrible experience to go through, but you’ve got to front it up head on and make sure you’re doing everything you can.

“I feel like I’m doing everything I can, whether that’s making sure we’re as best prepared, looking at our opposition and where we feel there are going to be some weaknesses.

“This week, for example, I think we’ve had really good prep, we’ve just not served up the quality on the Sunday and that’s the part I’m looking at now.

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Ben Reynolds was sent off for Leigh Leopards after punching Wakefield’s David Fifita.

“Is it a tactical error? Is it some messages I’m giving or the quality of what we’re trying to do? That’s the frustrating part about it.”

Leigh, in contrast, have now won seven games in a row in all competitions and even found themselves with 11 players on the pitch at one point after Tom Nisbet was sin-binned. Head coach Adrian Lam was therefore naturally delighted with the character shown by the team.

“Down to 11 men with the last 10 minutes before half-time where we defended our line, I thought that was a really special moment for us as a club,” Lam, who was named Super League coach of the month for May, said.

“In hindsight, looking back now, you can’t train those moments and it’s about having trust in each other, I thought the way we scrambled in that period was unbelievable, so I’m really proud of them for that.”

Wellens heaps praise on record-breaker Makinson

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Highlights from the Magic Weekend Super League clash between St Helens and Huddersfield Giants.

Four tries and seven goals from Tommy Makinson saw the St Helens winger rack up a Magic Weekend record of 28 individual points as his side trounced Huddersfield Giants 48-6 in Newcastle.

The England international’s haul helped make it back-to-back wins for the reigning Super League champions and lifted them into the play-off places on points difference from Hull Kingston Rovers.

Saints head coach Paul Wellens was quick to sing the praises of Makinson for his efforts, although typically as a coach he focused on his defensive contributions as well as his attacking ones.

“I’m delighted with Tommy,” Wellens said. “Whilst he has not been playing poorly, what I really liked today was it will be about him scoring four tries, but I loved his strong defensive work and making strong decisions.

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St Helens’ Tommy Makinson believes that their comprehensive victory against Huddersfield Giants can help them turn the season round after they moved into the top six.

“When Tommy gets that side of his game right, as well as the finishing which undoubtedly he’s wonderful at, you’ve got the complete winger and that’s why he’s up there as one of the best wingers in the world.”

It was a frustrating afternoon for Wellens’ opposite number Ian Watson though as the defeat left Huddersfield six points off the play-offs and the Giants boss had a stark warning for the players he believes are under-performing.

“It was nowhere near the level of performance we need to be,” Watson said. “Some individuals are way of the mark at the moment and it’s up to them to get better or for us to make a choice on whether to replace them going forward.

“You don’t want to have to drop players or take them out, you want them to do their job, but sometimes players go through a bit of a dip and it’s a cut-throat business. You have to be that way and make those calls on people.”

How Hull FC turned defence into attack

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Highlights from the Magic Weekend Super League clash between Hull FC and Warrington Wolves.

Things are looking up for Hull FC, who have now won four of their last five Super League matches after defeating Warrington Wolves 30-18 in the final game of this year’s Magic Weekend.

A hat-trick from second row Josh Griffin after the break helped them fight back from being 12-0 down early on and having to defend their own line for large parts of the first half.

Black and Whites head coach Tony Smith felt it was those defensive efforts which helped set them up for the second-half fightback which moved them to within four points of the play-off places.

“Sometimes defending your own line can take the petrol out of you for the rest of the game but it did quite the opposite,” Smith said.

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Josh Griffin completed his hat-trick for Hull FC against Warrington after a wonderful team move from within their own half.

“It energised us actually and we were all ready to go in the second half. I thought Josh turned back the clock with having to use his speed to score tries. It was terrific and I was pleased for him.”

Warrington had led through tries from Connor Wrench and George Williams, with Wrench’s second temporarily putting them back in front during the second half.

They were unable to close the game out though and Wolves head coach Daryl Powell lamented not taking the opportunity to return to the top of the Super League table.

“The way we started the first half was class, but the start of the second half was non-existent really,” Powell said.

“We’ve lost a bit of confidence at the moment and we’re working hard to get it back. We feel like when we fix up one part of our game another part is not quite there, and there’s a bit to do defensively.”

Hull KR full-back Lachlan Coote will retire at the end of the Super League season after a 15-year career that also saw him play in the NRL. 

Coote won three Super League Grand Finals during his time with St Helens from 2019 to 2021 as well as an NRL Grand Final while with the North Queensland Cowboys.

“I’m happy to announce that I will be retiring at the end of the 2023 season, it has been a very tough decision to make but I know it’s the right one for me and my family,” said Coote.

“Over the past 15 years, I have met so many great people and I’ve learnt so many valuable lessons within the sport. I’ll always be grateful for what rugby league has given me, thank you to everyone that has been a part of my career.”

More to follow…

Hull Kingston Rovers kept the Huddersfield Giants scoreless as Salford Red Devils, Leigh Leopards and Warrington Wolves also secured wins in Round 11 of the Super League season on Friday evening as they saw off Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity respectively

A round-up of the rest of Friday night’s Super League Round 11 action after Catalans Dragons defeated St Helens in the Sky Live game.

Hull Kingston Rovers 28-0 Huddersfield Giants

Hull KR put in a polished performance to beat Huddersfield 28-0 and show why they are viewed by many as genuine contenders for the Super League title.

Two first-half tries from Ryan Hall, added to by two in the second half from James Batchelor and a single score by Tom Opacic, saw Rovers home.

Rowan Milnes deputised ably at scrum-half for the injured Jordan Abdull as Willie Peters’ side ground out a win which owed a lot to some fine tackling at both ends of the pitch.

The only down side for the Robins was an upper-leg injury to full-back Lachlan Coote early in the game.

Huddersfield never really got into the contest as they tried to over complicate things on a wet night in east Hull.

Leeds Rhinos 12-22 Salford Red Devils

Salford surged to their fourth straight win in the Betfred Super League League with a thoroughly-deserved 22-12 victory over Leeds at Headingley.

Marc Sneyd kicked 10 of the visitors’ points, including two penalties, as indiscipline once again cost the Rhinos dear in what proved another frustrating evening for the hosts.

From the moment Rhys Williams pounced to put his side ahead in the right corner halfway through the first period, Paul Rowley’s Salford held the upper hand and only a late effort from James Bentley roused the Rhinos for what would prove a fruitless assault in the last 10 minutes.

Leeds coach Rohan Smith had handed teenager Jack Sinfield a rare slot at scrum-half in place of the injured Aidan Sezer in a bid to rid his side of their frustrating inconsistency so far in this campaign.

Leigh Leopards 30-6 Castleford Tigers

Leigh produced a dominant second-half performance to stun Castleford 30-6 and record three successive Super League wins for the first time.

The Leigh Leopards secured another big win as they found their attacking prowess in the second 40

Kai O’Donnell, Ava Seumanufagai, Ricky Leutele and Matty Davis all scored tries, which were converted by Ben Reynolds, as the Leopards powered home after the sides were tied at 6-6 at half-time.

Leigh had trailed to an early Joe Westerman try, converted by Gareth Widdop, but responded with a converted Reynolds try in the 19th minute and never looked back as they beat Castleford for the first time since 1987.

During four spells in Super League, Leigh have never managed to achieve better than back-to-back wins but they continued their impressive start to 2023 with a sixth victory of the campaign.

The win also ensured Leigh equalled their best points total as a Super League team with only 11 rounds of the season played.

But for Castleford and their coach Andy Last, it means they remain second from bottom after a desperately disappointing start to the campaign.

Warrington Wolves 32-18 Wakefield Trinity

Bottom-club Wakefield were left to rue the second-half dismissal of prop Kevin Proctor as Warrington returned to the top of Betfred Super League with a 32-18 victory over Trinity at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Warrington Wolves fought back in the second half to keep Wakefield Trinity searching for their first win of the season

The scores were locked at 12-12 in an even contest when Proctor was shown the red card by referee Marcus Griffiths 13 minutes into the second half for a high tackle on Warrington full-back Josh Thewlis.

The Wolves made their extra man tell as Matty Ashton claimed two tries and George Williams also touched down as Warrington returned to winning ways after successive defeats to Wigan and St Helens.

Thewlis had claimed two first-half tries for Daryl Powell’s side, while Stefan Ratchford kicked six goals.

It was a brave effort from Wakefield who claimed tries through Morgan Smith, Kelepi Tanginoa and Matty Ashurst and three goals from Will Dagger, but they remain rooted to the foot of the table still searching for their first points of the campaign.

Salford to become first wholly community-owned rugby league club in northern hemisphere; move designed to “give every member a voice” and help club achieve Category A status ahead of proposed restructure; any club with Category A status set to be guaranteed Super League place

Salford Red Devils will become the first wholly community-owned rugby league club in the northern hemisphere in a move they hope will help them secure Category A status amid the sport’s proposed restructure.

The ‘Reimagining Rugby League Consultation Project’ will see clubs graded on both on and off-field performance, including finances, fanbase size, ticket sales and social-media following.

Any club that achieves Category A is set to be guaranteed a Super League place from 2025 and be exempt from relegation for as long as they hold that status.

The proposals, brought forward by media company IMG, were voted in by the Rugby League Council last week, with the majority of Super League and Championship clubs supporting the overhaul.

The ‘Community’ pillar will now account for 2.5 points instead of the initially proposed two following a tweak of the proposals, with clubs awarded points for the positive impact they have in communities.

The pillar will combine each club’s fanbase potential with a rating for their Foundation – the charitable bodies linked to clubs which drive much of their community and participation activity.

Salford managing director Paul King said: “This year we’re celebrating 150 years of a club at the heart of its community. Now we’re growing that community, as well as placing it at the heart of the club.

“The game has changed. IMG are in the business and with that comes a forward-thinking approach to how we move forward.

“For years, whenever we’ve been close to something, we have had to sell our best players. This year we opted to change that.

Salford are offering individuals the chance purchase a share in the club’s holding company

“Now by doing this, it allows to maintain a competitive playing squad and gives us a real chance to win the biggest prizes in the game.

“We have a fundamental belief that sport belongs to the people – not a sole person – and by doing this we’re creating the opportunity for likeminded individuals to join us and do something really special.”

‘Reds Rise Together’ will allow individuals to purchase a share in Salford’s holding company entitling them to vote and stand for election to the board.

Salford say they want to “give every member a voice” while maintaining a competitive playing squad and growing commercially in order to fulfil IMG criteria.

George Williams takes over from Sam Tomkins as the new England captain ahead of their clash against France later this month; watch England’s men and women against France live on Sky Sports on April 29

Warrington half-back George Williams has been appointed England captain.

The 28-year-old succeeds former Wigan team-mate Sam Tomkins, who will retire at the end of the season.

Williams, who has 15 international caps, made a try-scoring debut in an 84-4 victory over France in 2015 and appeared at the 2017 and 2021 Rugby League World Cups.

He will lead his country against France at his home ground of Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday, April 29.

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Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Barrie McDermott discuss Shaun Wane’s contract extension to lead England into the 2025 World Cup

“It is a huge honour to be named as England captain,” Williams said in a statement.

“Playing for England has always been the pinnacle for me but being named as captain is the cherry on top.

“I got the opportunity to lead the team out in the World Cup against Greece and it was one of the proudest moments of my life. I had to hold back tears as we walked out on to the field.

“The World Cup ended in disappointment for us but it’s all about bouncing back from that now and building towards 2025 with what is a really exciting and vibrant squad.”

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Sky Sports’ Jon Wilkin has his say on the news that Shaun Wane will remain as England head coach and believes the team played well at the World Cup apart from their semi-final defeat to Samoa

Williams currently leads the way in the 2023 Steve Prescott Man of Steel rankings, with his Warrington side two points clear at the top of the Betfred Super League.

England head coach Shaun Wane said: “I’ve seen George develop from being a youngster to the player he is today, and I believe he is the right man to lead the England team.

“With a lot of new faces in the squad, George’s role will be crucial within the camp as he has been that youngster bursting on to the international scene and is now an experienced and consistent performer at the top level.”

George Williams is staying with Warrington Wolves until 2026 after extending his contract for a further two years; former Australia international prop Paul Vaughan has until 2025 as well; watch the Wolves take on Wigan Warriors live on Sky Sports on Friday from 7.30pm

George Williams has ended talk of an imminent return to the NRL by signing a long-term contract with Warrington Wolves.

Stand-off Williams has been one of the stars of the Betfred Super League so far in 2023, building on some impressive displays for England at last year’s Rugby League World Cup and helping the Wolves open the campaign with eight wins from eight games.

The 28-year-old, who spent a season-and-a-half in Australia with Canberra Raiders before moving to Warrington in 2021, had been linked with a switch back to the NRL, with Wests Tigers reported to be among the clubs chasing him. However, Williams has now agreed an extension to stay with the Wolves until 2026.

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Jon Wilkin could not resist the temptation to question George Williams about his haircut while praising the Warrington player about his impressive form.

Meanwhile, former Australia international prop Paul Vaughan has extended his stay at the Halliwell Jones Stadium until 2025 following a string of strong showings since moving to the Wolves from Canterbury Bulldogs in the off-season.

More to follow…

This is a breaking news story that is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh this page for the latest updates.

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Watch Warrington Wolves take on Wigan Warriors in the first-versus-second clash in the Betfred Super League, live on Sky Sports Arena on Friday from 7.30pm (kick-off 8pm). Stream the 2023 Betfred Super League season on NOW TV.

Bryn Hargreaves played in Super League for Wigan Warriors, St Helens and Bradford, and had a loan spell with Leigh Centurions, before retiring in 2012; he went missing from his apartment in West Virginia in the United States on January 3 2022

The death of former rugby league player Bryn Hargreaves, who went missing in America over a year ago, has been confirmed by his family.

The former Wigan Warriors, St Helens and Bradford Bulls prop was reported missing by authorities in the United States in January 2022 after he failed to arrive for work.

A major search by police and tracker dogs began in West Virginia, where Hargreaves had moved to after retiring from rugby league in 2012. His mother Maria and younger brother David went to America to help in the search for him.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Hargreaves’ older brother Gareth wrote: “RIP Bryn Hargreaves. With incredible sadness I can confirm after 14 months we have finally found Bryn.

“We still do not know the cause of death or what actually happened on 3/1/22. Thanks to all those that have helped in the search. We would appreciate a little space and will keep you updated when we have any further information.”

Wigan Warriors tweeted: “Wigan Warriors are saddened to learn of the passing of former player, Bryn Hargreaves. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus said in a tribute on their website: “It is with great sadness that we hear of the death of our former player Bryn Hargreaves.

“Our thoughts and prayers are very much with his family at this incredibly difficult time. They have also had to deal with a prolonged period of stress prior this awful news.

“Bryn was extremely well-liked and respected by his team-mates and by all involved with the club during his four seasons with us from 2007 to 2010.

“It is a real tragedy that he has died at such a young age. He will be remembered with genuine warmth and with affection by us all.”

“Sky Sports will show Super League Round Six fixture between Wigan and Salford on Friday, March 24. This change from the originally scheduled fixture, between Wakefield and Hull KR, has been requested by the RFL and RL Commercial following the recent issues regarding the playing surface”

Sky Sports will show Wigan Warriors vs Salford Red Devils in Super League Round Six in place of Wakefield Trinity vs Hull KR, after an RFL request due to pitch issues at Wakefield. 

The televised fixture amendment for Friday March 24 was confirmed on Thursday.

“This change from the originally scheduled fixture, between Wakefield Trinity and Hull KR, has been requested by the RFL and RL Commercial following the recent issues regarding the playing surface at the Be Well Support Stadium,” a Super League statement confirmed.

“The RFL and RL Commercial are grateful to all involved – the four clubs, and Sky Sports – for their co-operation, and stress that the Wakefield versus Hull KR fixture remains scheduled for the Be Well Support Stadium on March 24.

The televised fixture amendment comes after an RFL and RL Commercial request regarding issues with the playing surface at the Be Well Support Stadium

“But that remains subject to a pitch inspection early next week, so this change has been made to provide clarity for supporters, viewers and for Sky Sports.”

Revised Betfred Super League Round Six

Thursday March 23

• Huddersfield Giants vs St Helens (8pm, live on Sky Sports)

Friday March 24

• Wigan Warriors vs Salford Red Devils (8pm, live on Sky Sports)
• Castleford Tigers vs Warrington Wolves (8pm)
• Wakefield Trinity vs Hull KR (8pm)

Saturday March 25

• Leeds Rhinos vs Catalans Dragons

Sunday March 26

• Hull FC vs Leigh Leopards (3pm)

Leigh stunned reigning Super League and world champions St Helens by coming from 12-0 down to win 20-12 at Leigh Sports Village.

Saints had looked to be on course for a routine win as they scored early tries through Jonny Lomax and Jon Bennison but the Leopards produced a brilliant second-half comeback, scoring tries through Josh Charnley, Tom Briscoe, Zak Hardaker, who also kicked two goals, and Joe Shorrocks.

It was Leigh’s second win of the season after beating Hull KR a week ago and it means they have now won the same number of games as when they were last in Super League in 2020.

Saints forward Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook was named on the bench for his 450th career appearance but they were missing the injured Will Hopoate. They were also without the suspended trio of Sione Mata’utia, Curtis Sironen and Konrad Hurrell.

The Saints took the lead three minutes in courtesy of a Tommy Makinson penalty and scored their first try after 10 minutes, when Lomax touched down.

Bennison added a second to take the scores to 12-0 but Leigh fought back into the game and struck next with a well-worked try in the 56th minute, through Charnley.

Leigh had their tails up and their cause was helped when Lees was sent to the sin bin for a late challenge on Gareth O’Brien.

The hosts took full advantage within a minute, and scored a second try 14 minutes from time

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Castleford interim head coach Andy Last admits his side need to improve after they were thrashed by Huddersfield in the Super League

Leigh continued to push and their cause was helped in the 65th minute when Lees was sin-binned after a late challenge on Gareth O’Brien.

Lees had been off the pitch only a minute when Leigh were able to take full advantage of their extra man by scoring their second try 14 minutes from time.

Leigh drew level and once again it was Mellor at the heart of things with his break causing panic in the Saints defence before he found Hardaker in support who strode under the posts. Hardaker’s conversion gave Leigh the lead for the first time in the game at 14-12.

Leigh wrapped up only their second win over Saints in Super League with two minutes remaining when a kick through by John Asiata was spilled and Shorrocks picked up the loose ball to score.

Huddersfield Giants 36-6 Castleford Tigers

Huddersfield Giants heaped more pressure on struggling Castleford Tigers with Chris McQueen’s double helping them to an impressive 36-6 victory at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Interim coach Andy Last’s first game in charge, following Lee Radford’s shock decision to depart, was dominated by the ex-England international and half-back Will Pryce, who grabbed one try and set up another.

The Tigers have yet to win after four rounds and were behind 20-6 at half-time, before Huddersfield added three more tries to confirm the one-sided result.

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Huddersfield head coach Ian Watson was satisfied with how clinical his side were in their 36-6 triumph over Castleford

The Tigers started brightly when George Lawler barged over for the opening try after just eight minutes, with Gareth Widdop adding the extras.

It got worse for the Giants on 12 minutes, when an injured Theo Fages was taken off the field and replaced by Pryce.

But two minutes later they hit back when McQueen crashed through some weak defence to score and Russell’s conversion tied it up.

The half-back added another two points in the 23rd minute and gave Huddersfield the lead with a long-range penalty goal. Pryce extended the Giants’ lead, before Jake Bibby and McQueen scored a try each just before half-time to but the Giants in a commanding position.

In the second half the Giants continued their dominance, taking just three minutes for McQueen to strike out wide. Five minutes later, Pryce managed to get over the line, but the utility was unable to get the ball down.

The Tigers were creaking and soon it was Tui Lolohea’s turn to get on the scoresheet, set up by Leroy Cudjoe’s kick, with Russell’s conversion taking it to 30-6.

Cudjoe crossed for the final try, but Russell was unable to convert, and then the half-back added a late goal as Huddersfield romped to a one-sided victory.

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Will Pryce was thrilled after being named player of the match in Huddersfield’s comprehensive win over Castleford

Warrington Wolves 18-10 Hull KR

Warrington edged to an 18-10 win at Hull KR to continue their unbeaten start to the Super League season.

The Wolves struggled last season but the performance of Daryl Powell’s side on a bitterly cold night at Craven Park showed why they are serious contenders this term.

Successive defeats for Willie Peters’ Rovers means there is still work to be done as he looks for a consistent line-up following a second home loss in a row.

Warrington enjoyed some early pressure but the Rovers defence held firm and it was the hosts who opened the scoring nine minutes into the game as Frankie Halton slipped out of a tackle and forced his way over following a Rowan Milnes pass.

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England captain Sam Tomkins announced his retirement from Rugby League

Warrington again forced their way deep into Rovers territory, aided by more mistakes by the home side, but the defence held firm.

The pressure finally told, with the Wolves drawing level midway through the first half when Thomas Mikaele crossed.

The visitors went ahead nine minutes before the break as Matty Nicholson was first to touch down a George Williams grubber kick.

Rovers started the second half well, pinning Warrington in their half, and Lachlan Coote’s clever pass set up Frankie Halton for his second try – although the full-back’s missed conversion left his side two points in arrears.

As the battle for dominance continued both sides were guilty of mistakes which cost them good field position.

A pivotal moment came in the 70th minute as Sam Kasiano was penalised for a high tackle, but Coote missed the penalty and the chance to level the scores.

Warrington made Rovers pay as Paul Vaughan finished off a late move for his side’s third try.

Leeds Rhinos 26-0 Wakefield Trinity

Harry Newman warmed Leeds’ hearts amid plunging temperatures at Headingley as the 23-year-old made a try-scoring return in his side’s 26-0 win over Wakefield.

Newman, who has been plagued by hamstring injuries and was left in tears after missing last year’s Grand Final, took just two minutes after his second-half introduction to surge jubilantly over the line and belatedly spark a game that had proved as frigid as the conditions into life.

After a pointless first period, Newman’s effort built on David Fusitu’a’s opening score two minutes after the restart, before the floodgates opened with Tom Holroyd and Fusitu’a again both crossing, before Nene Macdonald finished off a length-of-field interception to ensure his side would build on last week’s epic win at world champions St Helens.

Two conversions from Rhyse Martin and one for Aidan Sezer capped a third straight blank for Wakefield, who have now gone over four hours without scoring a point, stretching back to their defeat on the opening day of the season to Catalans Dragons.

What’s next?

Hull FC face Salford Red Devils on Saturday, in the final match of the weekend. Next week, the Castleford Tigers host the Leeds Rhinos, live on Sky Sports Arena, on Thursday.

Huddersfield Giants face Wigan Warriors on Friday, with Warrington Wolves and Leigh also in action. Hull FC visit St Helens on Friday, live on Sky Sports Arena. Catalan Dragons then host Hull KR on March 18.

Leigh Leopards ended Hull KR’s unbeaten start with their first win since earning promotion; Steve McNamara is not getting carried away after Catalans Dragons won again; Huddersfield Giants edged out Wakefield Trinity; Liam Marshall starred as Wigan Warriors beat Castleford Tigers

We round up Friday’s action in Super League as Leigh Leopards claimed their first victory since winning promotion, while Catalans Dragons, Huddersfield Giants and Wigan Warriors were all triumphant too…

Catalans Dragons 38-6 Hull FC (6pm)

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Highlights of the Betfred Super League match between the Catalan Dragons and Hull FC.

Steve McNamara is determined to keep his side’s feet on the floor after Catalans Dragons made it three wins from three with a resounding win over Hull FC in Perpignan.

The Dragons maintained their perfect start to the season as they went over for six tries through Tom Johnstone, Paul Seguier, Mickael Goudemand, Siua Taukeiaho, Adam Keighran and Ben Garcia.

The only response for Hull FC, who opened the season with wins over Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos, came through Andre Savelio late on. Yet Catalans head coach McNamara is staying grounded.

“It’s far too early to draw any conclusions but I’m very proud of our performance tonight,” McNamara said. “We were very good tonight, but we won’t get carried away.

“It’s only Round 3. Hull are a good side, and it just didn’t happen for them tonight.”

Tom Johnstone goes over for a try in Catalans’ win over Hull FC

Hull FC head coach Tony Smith criticised his side’s “flat” performance as they suffered their first defeat of the season.

“They were good from the start, but they didn’t have to be great,” Smith said. “We were flat as a pancake, and they carried out their plan.”

Wakefield Trinity 0-8 Huddersfield Giants (7.45pm)

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Highlights of the Super League match between Wakefield Trinity and Huddersfield Giants

Mark Applegarth insists there is no doom and gloom at Wakefield Trinity after they went down 8-0 to Huddersfield Giants.

The result means Wakefield have yet to win a game this season and are bottom of Super League after three games.

Trinity were smashed 60-0 by Wigan Warriors last week, and failed to score a single point for the second week in a row, but Applegarth is adamant there is no panic at the relegation favourites.

“We’re in Round 3 and we’ve played three out of last year’s top four, it’s not panic now,” Applegarth said.

“It’s not doom and gloom by any means. There’s a lot of effort there and a lot of things we can work with.

“The effort and application is there, we just have to get a bit smarter in certain parts of the field. We have to put our attack together we showed against Catalans and our defence we showed tonight.”

Joe Greenwood celebrates scoring the only try of the game in Huddersfield’s win at Wakefield

The first half ended scoreless as neither side was able to crack open the other’s defence, but Joe Greenwood struck in the second half with a powerful run and Tui Lolohea nailed two goals to secure a first win of the season for Huddersfield.

“It was a tough and well-earned one,” Giants head coach Ian Watson said. “We knew they were going to turn up today and play for the pride.

“For them, they’ve got something to work on and for us it was the nil and our defence. It was a really good arm-wrestle mentality in there. To keep teams in Super League to nil is a big ask.”

Hull Kingston Rovers 25-30 Leigh Leopards (8pm)

Adrian Lam is adamant there is still plenty of work for his Leigh Leopards side to do despite them recording their first win of the new season away to previously unbeaten Hull Kingston Rovers.

Leigh scored five tries with Tom Briscoe and Josh Charnley claiming two each after Tom Amone had opened their account. Ben Reynolds was faultless as he added five conversions too.

However, head coach Lam warned there cannot be any let-up from his players and still saw room for improvement.

“We’re still a way from where we want to be,” Lam said. “We left five or six tries out on the field.

“They’ve been playing some good rugby and it’s always difficult to come here and get a win. All we can do is focus on us and stick to our processes and our beliefs.

“We’re just getting on with it and there were a lot of hard lessons to learn over the last two weeks. We’re working hard to make sure our combinations come together.”

Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis can’t prevent Leigh’s Josh Charnley from scoring the winning try

Rovers’ tries came from Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Mikey Lewis, James Batchelor and Jordan Abdull who also kicked a drop goal, while Will Dagger kicked four conversions, and head coach Willie Peters felt his side paid the price for not being able to see out the win from a commanding position.

“We were in front the majority of that game end never really felt comfortable,” Peters said. “Credit to Leigh they really hung in there.

“Any defeat is not great but to lose that way, we hurt ourselves a lot tonight. We definitely need to close the game out better than we did.”

Castleford Tigers 0-36 Wigan Warriors (8pm)

Liam Marshall maintained his impressive start to the Super League season with a hat-trick as Wigan condemned Castleford to their third straight loss with an emphatic 36-0 win.

The homegrown Warriors winger touched down to open the scoring at the end of a tightly-contested first half and from there Matt Peet’s team did not look back.

Ethan Havard added a close-range second try early in the second half before Marshall grabbed his second from long range. Toby King and Jai Field also went over for the visitors before Marshall scored his third in the last minute.

Liam Marshall grabbed a hat-trick as Wigan were victorious at Castleford

Wigan’s second win from three Super League games left Castleford still to pick up any points this season, while Marshall’s clinical treble took his try tally for the season to eight.

He has now scored 103 tries for Wigan, who have responded well to their opening-round defeat at Hull KR.

They thumped Wakefield 60-0 last week and did enough to see off Lee Radford’s Tigers, who lost captain Paul McShane to injury early on his 200th appearance for the club.

Our guide to the 12 teams competing in Super League in 2023 continues with a look at Hull KR, Leeds Rhinos, Leigh Leopards, and Salford Red Devils…

Hull KR:

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Highlights of Hull FC’s clash with Hull KR in the Super League.

Head coach: Willie Peters

Captain: Shaun Kenny-Dowall

Last season: Eighth in regular season

What they’re saying:

“I am really enjoying my time, my family has settled in which is the main thing. We are really excited for the season kicking off and that is what we are here to do, we are here to play footy games and do well. Success for me would be world-class effort and competing every week.”

– New Hull KR head coach Willie Peters on his goals for the season ahead.

In: Sam Luckley (Salford Red Devils), Yusuf Aydin, James Batchelor (both Wakefield Trinity), Louis Senior (Huddersfield Giants), Tom Opacic (Parramatta Eels), Sauaso ‘Jesse’ Sue (Newcastle Knights), Rhys Kennedy (Brisbane Broncos).

Out: Albert Vete (Castleford Tigers), Bailey Dawson (Castleford Tigers), Ben Crooks (Keighley Cougars), Tom Wilkinson (Dewsbury Rams), Will Maher (Halifax Panthers), Adam Rusling, Nathan Cullen (both Cornwall), Brad Takairangi (Dapto Canaries), Korbin Sims (retired), Tom Garratt, Charlie Cavanaugh, Max Kirkbright.

Leeds Rhinos:

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The crowd welcomes Leeds Rhinos and St Helens out ahead of the Super League Grand Final.

Head coach: Rohan Smith

Captain: No captain named

Last season: Fifth in regular season, Grand Final runners-up

What they’re saying:

“In the final months of the season, Kruise Leeming, Cameron Smith, Mikolaj Oledzki and Ash Handley were each matchday captain at various times. We are in a fortunate position to have a young and talented squad with many players who possess some of the typical characteristics you would look for in a captain. We have experienced players in key positions within the team who show leadership every time they step onto the field. The challenge is to develop that leadership across the squad.”

– Leeds Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith on not naming a full-time captain.

In: Derrell Olpherts (Castleford Tigers), Luis Roberts, Nene Macdonald (both Leigh Leopards), James McDonnell (Wigan Warriors), Sam Lisone (Gold Coast Titans), Justin Sangare (Toulouse Olympique), Toby Warren (York), Luke Hooley (Batley Bulldogs), Leon Ruan (Doncaster).

Out: Liam Sutcliffe, Brad Dwyer (both Hull FC), Zak Hardaker, Tom Briscoe (both Leigh Leopards), Callum McLelland, Jack Broadbent (both Castleford Tigers), Jack Walker, Bodene Thompson (both Bradford Bulls), Matt Prior (retired).

Leigh Leopards:

Ricky Leutele is one of the Leopards’ most high profile signings ahead of 2023

Head coach: Adrian Lam

Captain: John Asiata

Last season: First place in the Championship, promoted

What they’re saying:

“We are really proud about what we have done in the last 12 months both on and off the field to get back and we have given something for our fans to look forward to and support on a week-to-week basis. We have got a lot of work to do, but we are really excited about it.”

– Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam on the expectations of the year ahead.

In: Oliver Holmes, Jack Hughes, Rob Mulhern, Matt Davis, Jacob Gannon (all Warrington Wolves), Zak Hardaker, Tom Briscoe (both Leeds Rhinos), Ricky Leutele (Huddersfield Giants), Gareth O’Brien (Castleford Tigers), Aaron Smith, Tom Nisbet (both St Helens), Ava Seumanufagai (Canterbury Bulldogs), Nathan Wilde (Newcastle Thunder).

Out: Luis Roberts, Nene Macdonald (both Leeds Rhinos), Adam Sidlow, Sam Stone (both Salford Red Devils), Mark Ioane (Keighley Cougars), Ata Hingano (York), Kieran Dixon (Widnes Vikings), Caleb Aekins (Featherstone Rovers), Jy Hitchcox (Rochdale Hornets), Krisnan Inu (retired).

Salford Red Devils

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Watch all of Man of Steel Brodie Croft’s tries for the Salford Red Devils in the Super League.

Head coach: Paul Rowley

Captain: Kallum Watkins

Last season: Sixth in regular season

What they’re saying:

“This group of boys is something special and along with the coaching staff through to the performance staff and office staff, I’m excited at what the future holds for the club.”

– Brodie Croft on signing a deal with the club till 2030.

In: Oliver Partington (Wigan Warriors), Adam Sidlow, Sam Stone (both Leigh Leopards), Andrew Dixon (Toulouse Olympique), Ben Hellewell (Featherstone Rovers), Ellis Longstaff (Warrington Wolves, loan).

Out: Sam Luckley (Hull Kingston Rovers), Harvey Livett (Huddersfield Giants), Greg Burke, Jack Wells (both Barrow Raiders), Elijah Taylor (Featherstone Rovers), Sitaleki Akauola (Toulouse Olympique), Morgan Escare (Carcassonne).

The new Betfred Super League season starts on Thursday, February 16 as Warrington Wolves host Leeds Rhinos. Watch 66 live matches, including Magic Weekend, the play-offs and the Grand Final, on Sky Sports in 2023 and stream on NOW TV.