National Rugby League junkies will get their fix any way they can | Andy Wilson

www.guardian.co.uk - Despite the absence of a TV deal for the UK, fans of the brilliant NRL await the opening weekend, while in Super League there are mouth-watering ties closer to homeWhat are your plans for tomorrow morning? For a significant number of British rugby league players, coaches, supporters and journalists - mostly, but by no means exclusively, along the M62 corridor - it will be absolutely essential to secure internet access, from roughly 9am until lunch-time. As things stand, that is the only way to follow the opening games of the National Rugby League season from Australia - Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys, followed by the potential humdinger between Parramatta and the St George Illawarra Dragons.Barring the last-minute television deal that we've all been looking out for, or a repeat of the free streaming offered during last year's finals series on the NRL's official website, we're going to have to make do with live radio coverage, followed by highlights on the NRL site when the games are done and dusted.As far as I know - and as ever, your contributions and corrections are welcome below - the best place to listen to the games tomorrow is via the Sydney talkback radio station 2GB, where commentators such as Ray Hadley, Darryl Brohman and the former Kangaroo prop Steve Roach make British controversialists such as Radio 5's Alan Green sound like shrinking violets who are reluctant to offer an opinion.The much cooler music station Triple M have the radio rights to Monday Night Football, which begins next week with a game of particular interest to us Poms - Wests Tigers, who include the England forward Gareth Ellis, code-swapping Lote Tuqiri and the unheralded former Wigan back-row Mark Flanagan, against Manly.With Sam Burgess due to make his eagerly-anticipated competitive debut for South Sydney in their derby against the Roosters on Sunday - at an hour when you'd have to be seriously committed to get up to listen to an internet radio feed - there is probably more British interest in the NRL this year than at any time since Andy Currier and Shaun Edwards played for Balmain in the 1987 Grand Final.That's what makes the absence of television coverage so frustrating. In retrospect, the NRL made a big mistake in grabbing a better financial offer from Setanta a couple of years ago, rather than sticking with Sky. Even if the Australian clubs did receive the money they were promised from the doomed broadcaster, it can't have been very much, and it has considerably reduced the exposure those clubs and their sponsors receive in Britain and beyond.Sky is now awash with Super 14 rugby union on the weekend mornings when Chris Warren and Tulsen Tollett used to present NRL coverage, and even ESPN, who picked up the rights for the last two weeks of the finals last autumn, are full up with Aussie Rules.ITV4's recent deal for Indian Premier League cricket, which was seen as evidence of their determination to become known as a free-to-air sports channel, has offered another straw to clutch at for British NRL junkies. But for the moment we'll have to make do with what's available on the net, as this ferocious, breakneck, colourful, glamorous and terrifically competitive feast of rugby is not deemed sufficiently attractive by British broadcasters.The competition itself is notoriously difficult to predict - even for those who get to watch it every week - largely because of the successful introduction of a salary cap several years ago. There seems to be a consensus that the cap will be significantly increased when the NRL negotiates a new domestic broadcasting deal next year, thereby plugging the talent drain that has seen stars such as Mark Gasnier, Sonny Bill Williams and Karmichael Hunt leave for rugby union or even Aussie Rules.Given those losses, and the constant stream of negative off-field publicity generated by the misbehaviour of leading players, it is remarkable that the NRL remains so popular. That is the ultimate tribute to the quality of the on-field entertainment that clubs such as Parramatta, Canterbury and the Tigers served up in spades last year, especially during the play-offs. If only we could watch it!Keep the home fires burningAt least this weekend's domestic programme provides plenty of consolation. Sean Long's return to Wigan with Hull should be a Friday night cracker, with the winners going top - at least until Warrington face revitalised Bradford the following evening. Huddersfield v Leeds is a heavyweight Yorkshire derby for Sunday, provided the provocative appointment of the World Club Challenge referee Richard Silverwood doesn't ruin it, and the stakes are arguably even higher down in London where Harlequins and Salford are both desperate for a win.These are tough times at The Stoop, as despite the progress league is making at junior levels in the south, the code's Super League flagship is struggling for the financial or playing resources to compete. But this is emphatically not the time to give up on all that development work.So with apologies to Shaun McRae's Salford, who are in an even grimmer state without a point from their first five matches, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for Quins on Sunday. But first of all, for Sam Burgess and South Sydney. Could this finally be the year of the mighty red and green Rabbits?Rugby leagueSuper LeagueAndy Wilsonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Rugby league)

Oldham rugby league team sign up cage fighter Jamie l'Anson

www.guardian.co.uk - Mixed martial artist l'Anson returns to Roughyeds Prop will divide time between rugby and cage fightingOldham are to unleash the cage fighter Jamie l'Anson on their Co-operative Championship One rivals.The 22-year-old prop, formerly of the Super League champions Leeds Rhinos, quit rugby league at the end of last season to take up the no-holds-barred mix of boxing, wrestling and martial arts but has now signed a new short-term deal with the Roughyeds.L'Anson, who played in all but three of Oldham's 30 games last season, says he is meaner and leaner after training for his new sport and losing 21 pounds in weight."I'm pleased to be back," said I'Anson, who also played for the then Celtic Crusaders. "[Oldham coach] Tony [Benson] has never been off the phone so I've agreed a deal which will allow me to divide my week between rugby and training for cage fighting."I developed an interest in it when I was in Thailand in 2007 and I've fancied having a serious go at it ever since."The Oldham chairman Chris Hamilton said: "We wore him down to sign but we know he'll give us everything and we are delighted to have him back."Rugby leagueguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Rugby league)

Leeds' Keith Senior given light fine for calling referee 'arrogant'

www.guardian.co.uk - Centre fined £1,000, half suspended Silverwood to referee Rhinos v HuddersfieldKeith Senior will only have to part with £500 for describing the referee Richard Silverwood as "arrogant" after Leeds's defeat by Melbourne Storm in the World Club Challenge last month.The veteran centre was found guilty at a Rugby Football League hearing of breaching the game's operational rules by criticising Silverwood's character, but his fine of £1,000 - half suspended until the end of the season - was a quarter of the record amount the Hull Kingston Rovers coach, Justin Morgan, was forced to pay last year, for describing another referee, Ben Thaler, as "substandard".The panel took into account Senior's previous good record, the public apology he issued within hours of the post-match tirade and his continued contrition at the hearing.Senior will be able to discuss his fine with Silverwood on Sunday, following the latter's appointment for the Rhinos' match at Huddersfield.The Giants have made a morale-boosting announcement ahead of that game, revealing that their 25-year-old scrum-half Luke Robinson has extended his contract until the end of 2012."Luke is pound for pound as tough a competitor as I have seen," said the Huddersfield coach, Nathan Brown. "In Robbo we have a player who can play a number of roles in the side and this is important for every squad."Robinson's versatility also means that the Giants are likely to make a fresh move for Danny Brough, the Wakefield scrum-half whose contract expires at the end of the season. However, Wakefield will hope that the chance to link up again with Paul Cooke, with whom he combined so effectively in Hull's Challenge Cup-winning team of 2005, will persuade Brough to stay at Belle Vue.Cooke's exclusion from Wakefield's 19-man squad for their televised game at Hull KR on Friday night means his move from Rovers is unlikely to be confirmed until next week.Hull have omitted Mark Calderwood and Danny Washbrook from their 19 for Friday's trip to Wigan, with Sean Long returning after three weeks out with a hamstring problem and Sam Moa retaining his place. Wigan will be without the Samoan centre George Carmont but Cameron Phelps returns to the squad.St Helens have Ade Gardner, Chris Flannery and Jon Wilkin back in contention for their home game against Crusaders, but Paul Wellens is out with a dead leg and Jonny Lomax will be missing for six to eight weeks with a shoulder injury sustained in last Sunday's defeat at Hull KR.Saints have yet to comment on the growing speculation that their England prop James Graham is keen to move to Australia next season. Graham has a year left on his contract but is thought to be keen to follow the example of Sam Burgess, the former Bradford prop who was in a similar situation this time last year but secured a release to join South Sydney. Sydney Roosters and Canberra are thought to be interested in Graham.Leeds RhinosSuper LeagueRugby leagueAndy Wilsonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Rugby league)

Casteford's Super League match against Catalans in doubt after heavy snowfall

www.guardian.co.uk - Catalans have advised Castleford and fans to delay travel Volunteers working to clear 40cm of snow from pitchHeavy snowfall in the south of France has put Castleford Tigers' Super League match against Catalans Dragons on Saturday in doubt.The Perpignan club have advised Castleford and their supporters not to travel until attempts to clear around 40cm of snow from the pitch at the Gilbert Brutus stadium have been completed."It's crazy," said the Catalans general manager, Christophe Levy. "It snowed for the whole day and everything is closed."The players and volunteers are trying to clear the pitch but it's going really slowly. The snow is not melting because it's only one degree."We will see at the end of the day how far we get but we probably won't make a decision until tomorrow."The clubs considered reversing the fixture but time is against them and the Dragons are keen to play a second home match of the season, having arranged to play four of their opening five games away from home because of refurbishment to their ground."It's making it a bit difficult," said the Catalans coach, Kevin Walters, who was forced to cancel training yesterday due to the conditions. "We haven't been able to do a field session yet but we're hoping to get a pitch this afternoon."Castleford, who held their pre-season training camp in Perpignan, are due to fly out on Friday, and have signed Mike Cooper, a 21-year-old prop who was a Challenge Cup winner with Warrington at Wembley last August, on a month's loan after losing Brett Ferres, Paul Jackson, Richie Owen and Dean Widders to injury. Cooper has yet to play for the Wolves first team this season.The BBC has confirmed that it will show Hull's Challenge Cup tie against Leeds on 17 April (kick-off 2.30pm), and Huddersfield v Hull KR (kick-off 1.45pm) the following day.Salford have claimed that a local government decision yesterday to form a joint venture company with Peel Holdings is final confirmation that their £26m, 15,000-capacity stadium will finally be built. "Other clubs may have stadium plans on paper, but we will have building work as proof of our intention," said their chief executive, Dave Tarry. "We're expecting a minimum 12-month build, with everything completed by the end of 2011."Catalans DragonsCastlefordSuper LeagueRugby leagueAndy Wilsonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Rugby league)

Heavy snow puts Castleford's Super League game against Catalans in doubt

www.guardian.co.uk - Catalans have advised Castleford and fans to delay travel Volunteers working to clear 40cm of snow from pitchHeavy snowfall in the south of France has put Castleford Tigers' Super League match against Catalans Dragons on Saturday in doubt.The Perpignan club have advised Castleford and their supporters not to travel until attempts to clear around 40cm of snow from the pitch at the Gilbert Brutus stadium have been completed."It's crazy," said the Catalans general manager, Christophe Levy. "It snowed for the whole day and everything is closed."The players and volunteers are trying to clear the pitch but it's going really slowly. The snow is not melting because it's only one degree."We will see at the end of the day how far we get but we probably won't make a decision until tomorrow."The clubs considered reversing the fixture but time is against them and the Dragons are keen to play a second home match of the season, having arranged to play four of their opening five games away from home because of refurbishment to their ground."It's making it a bit difficult," said the Catalans coach, Kevin Walters, who was forced to cancel training yesterday due to the conditions. "We haven't been able to do a field session yet but we're hoping to get a pitch this afternoon."Castleford, who held their pre-season training camp in Perpignan, are due to fly out, and have signed Mike Cooper, a 21-year-old prop who was a Challenge Cup winner with Warrington at Wembley last August, on a month's loan after losing Brett Ferres, Paul Jackson, Richie Owen and Dean Widders to injury. Cooper has yet to play for the Wolves first team this season.The BBC has confirmed that it will show Hull's Challenge Cup tie against Leeds on 17 April (kick-off 2.30pm) and Huddersfield v Hull KR (kick-off 1.45pm) the following day.Salford have claimed that a local government decision to form a joint venture company with Peel Holdings is final confirmation that their £26m, 15,000-capacity stadium will finally be built. "Other clubs may have stadium plans on paper, but we will have building work as proof of our intention," said their chief executive, Dave Tarry. "We're expecting a minimum 12-month build, with everything completed by the end of 2011."Catalans DragonsCastlefordSuper LeagueRugby leagueAndy Wilsonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Rugby league)

Heavy snow puts Casteford's Super League game against Catalans in doubt

www.guardian.co.uk - Catalans have advised Castleford and fans to delay travel Volunteers working to clear 40cm of snow from pitchHeavy snowfall in the south of France has put Castleford Tigers' Super League match against Catalans Dragons on Saturday in doubt.The Perpignan club have advised Castleford and their supporters not to travel until attempts to clear around 40cm of snow from the pitch at the Gilbert Brutus stadium have been completed."It's crazy," said the Catalans general manager, Christophe Levy. "It snowed for the whole day and everything is closed."The players and volunteers are trying to clear the pitch but it's going really slowly. The snow is not melting because it's only one degree."We will see at the end of the day how far we get but we probably won't make a decision until tomorrow."The clubs considered reversing the fixture but time is against them and the Dragons are keen to play a second home match of the season, having arranged to play four of their opening five games away from home because of refurbishment to their ground."It's making it a bit difficult," said the Catalans coach, Kevin Walters, who was forced to cancel training yesterday due to the conditions. "We haven't been able to do a field session yet but we're hoping to get a pitch this afternoon."Castleford, who held their pre-season training camp in Perpignan, are due to fly out, and have signed Mike Cooper, a 21-year-old prop who was a Challenge Cup winner with Warrington at Wembley last August, on a month's loan after losing Brett Ferres, Paul Jackson, Richie Owen and Dean Widders to injury. Cooper has yet to play for the Wolves first team this season.The BBC has confirmed that it will show Hull's Challenge Cup tie against Leeds on 17 April (kick-off 2.30pm) and Huddersfield v Hull KR (kick-off 1.45pm) the following day.Salford have claimed that a local government decision to form a joint venture company with Peel Holdings is final confirmation that their £26m, 15,000-capacity stadium will finally be built. "Other clubs may have stadium plans on paper, but we will have building work as proof of our intention," said their chief executive, Dave Tarry. "We're expecting a minimum 12-month build, with everything completed by the end of 2011."Catalans DragonsCastlefordSuper LeagueRugby leagueAndy Wilsonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds More... (Rugby league)