Super League

Prince William hits out Super League as UEFA boss threatens to ban players from Euros

The Duke of Cambridge, who is the current FA president, says he shared the concerns of the fans that the breakaway league consisting of 12 of Europe’s richest clubs over the damage it will bring to the game.

“Now, more than ever, we must protect the entire football community – from the top level to the grassroots – and the values of competition and fairness at its core,” he tweeted.

“I share the concerns of fans about the proposed Super League and the damage it risks causing to the game we love.”

UEFA threatens bans for players in Super League

Addressing an emergency meeting the day after 12 of Europe's top clubs announced the breakaway, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin upped the ante, describing the Super League plan as a "spit in the face" of all football lovers.

"My opinion is that as soon as possible they (the clubs) have to be banned from all our competitions and the players from all our competitions," he added.

Former Warrior King Vuniyayawa signs for Super League club Leeds Rhinos

The 25-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the Leeds Rhinos for the 2021 season due to start in March.

Vuniyayawa made his NRL debut for the Warriors in round one of the 2020 season, but played just five games.

He was among a group of four players who chose to leave the Warriors’ Australian training base last July to return to Auckland to be with their families.

Vuniyayawa was initially offered a deal by the Warriors for 2021, but it was later withdrawn, prompting him to look for a new club.

Greg Inglis: Warrington superstar 'GI' hoping to trigger success in Super League

The 34-year-old Australian superstar only arrived in England five days ago after signing a one-year deal with the Wolves.

But he's already planning on helping inspire his new club to silverware and says he is ready to peak again after two years out of the game.

"I had a chat with the boys yesterday. I'm here to add value to the team. I'm here to do my job," he said.

"The thing is the challenge. I love to push my body to the limit. I want to get back into the game and give it my all.

"Towards the end of the year I want to get the team to the big stage."

Devotion to daughter sees Kiwi prop turn his back on Super League contract with Leeds

Leeds confirmed the 29-year-old Wainuiomata Lions junior - a 2020 Challenge Cup final winner with the Rhinos - had been released from the last year of his contract so he could stay with his daughter.

British reports indicated Seumanufagai had requested a release because travel restrictions during the pandemic would have made it difficult for him to see his child.

"We are sorry to see him leave the club but fully support and understand his decision,'' Leeds' director of rugby Kevin Sinfield said.

Toronto lose on Super League bow

Toronto – only formed four years ago – marked their debut in the top flight by scoring an early try, Liam Kay getting on the end of a grubber kick in the first of two games played at Headingley on Sunday.

Williams was on the bench at that stage and the New Zealander, who last played in the 13-man code in 2014, endured an inauspicious start following his introduction to proceedings, knocking on with his first touch.

Castleford recovered quickly after falling behind, Greg Eden, Grant Millington, Adam Milner and Michael Shenton all scoring tries before the break.

Folau joins Catalans Dragons

The Super League side announced the arrival of former Australia rugby union international Folau, 30, on Tuesday.

Folau settled a legal dispute with Rugby Australia in December after his contract had been terminated for a "high-level breach" after he posted hell awaits "drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters" on Instagram.

Catalans say "any transgression" from Folau will trigger the immediate termination of his deal.

Williams signs for Toronto Wolfpack

The 34-year-old, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner with New Zealand, has switched codes again having signed a contract reportedly worth 9million Canadian dollars that will make him the highest-paid rugby league player in the world.

Williams, who featured for the All Blacks in their run to the World Cup semi-finals last month, began his professional career in the NRL with Canterbury Bulldogs.

After winning a Premiership with the Bulldogs, he switched to union to play for Top 14 club Toulon but returned to the NRL in 2013, winning a second title with Sydney Roosters.

Broncos stun Saints

Saints, who had lost just once in the league prior to Sunday's trip which pitted top against bottom, forced the additional time thanks to Regan Grace's dramatic last-gasp try.

But man of the match Smith showed great composure to land the winning kick when the Broncos took a couple of tackles after a knock-on from Saints to set up the winning moment.

There was no sign of what was to come when tries from skipper James Roby and Luke Thompson helped Saints to a 12-0 lead after 10 minutes.

Perth may have more chance of joining Super League than the NRL

After beating the NRL to the punch by playing a premiership fixture on the other side of the world, English officials have revealed there had been discussions about a Perth team joining the likes of Toronto, New York, London and Toulouse in an expanded Super League.

"We've got New York and a number of other areas very interested and there are whispers from Perth that they are interested because there is a direct flight now into London," Wigan owner Ian Lenagan said.