WHAT A DEPARTURE: wigan warriors legends have left the team, for various reasons.
Rugby League news: Warrington Wolves confirm six end of year departures, Andy Last lands new role
Follow of all today’s stories right here.
Hello and welcome to Thursday’s Rugby League Live blog. Today’s big story is the future of Andy Last, who looks set for a new Super League move next season.
Elsewhere, we have a feature interview with Hull FC’s Gareth Ellis, and have pieces with Tony Smith, plus Hull KR duo Willie Peters and Rhys Kennedy.
As always, stay with us for all the rugby league news and features throughout the day.
Huddersfield Giants name reduced squad
Huddersfield Giants head coach Ian Watson has named a 20-man squad to take on Hull FC this weekend. The Black and Whites host the Giants in their final home game of the season on Saturday afternoon.
The Giants welcome Adam Milner back into contention, with Luke Yates and Jack Ashworth suspended after ‘dangerous contact’ charges in the defeat to Hull KR last week.
Full squad
Leeds Rhinos chase Sam Powell
Leeds Rhinos are interested in signing Wigan Warriors hooker Sam Powell, Rugby League Live understands. The Rhinos are keen to add further depth to their squad and the 31-year-old is thought to have emerged as a target in recent weeks.
After missing out on the play-offs, Leeds are looking for further additions to their 2024 squad, with a new centre to replace Nene Macdonald, and a new halfback on their agenda. But while both of those additions are likely to be used on quota spots, other areas of focus will be used on domestic targets, which has seen Powell become a player of interest to the Rhinos.
Powell is under contract at the DW Stadium next year and while Wigan have not offered him out to clubs for next year, it’s believed they wouldn’t stand in his way if he wished to pursue other opportunities. The player and the club are thought to be on good terms. Of course, Wigan have signed Kruise Leeming from Gold Coast Titans and the emergence of Brad O’Neill means there will be plenty of competition for the position next year. Leeds are understood to have made enquiries about Powell and they’re expected to push forward with their pursuit from here.
Willie Isa signs new Wigan deal
Willie Isa has signed a one-year contract extension with Wigan Warriors.
The 34-year old was off-contract at the end of the season but has now secured his future with the club.
“I’m happy to continue the journey with the Club and build on the years of hard work and love for the team. I am always grateful and privileged to be in this position and I’m really looking forward to getting back out on the field with the team soon.”
Matt Peet said: “Willie Isa is a crucial member of this team and I am delighted he has committed to the club. He has put in some excellent performances this year and he continues to drive standards on and off the field.”
The final day of Super League just got even more exciting!
The race for the Betfred Super League Play-Offs is reaching an unprecedented level of excitement, promising an unforgettable Friday night of Rugby League action on Sky Sports next week.
With three teams currently tied at the summit of the table and fierce competition for positions within the top six play-offs, the league’s broadcasting partners have unanimously agreed to schedule all six Round 27 fixtures for the upcoming Friday, September 22.
Sky Sports will unveil, following this weekend’s round of matches, the main fixture they will feature in their coverage. In an exciting twist, they are going the extra mile by deploying cameras and reporters to all matches that have the potential to influence the knockout rounds. Hull KR, Salford Red Devils and Warrington Wolves are all fighting for a playoff spot, with Wigan Warriors, St Helens and Catalans Dragons at the top of the tree. This comprehensive coverage ensures that viewers won’t miss a moment of the action on the thrilling Friday night.