Following on from yesterday's fan's view, I spoke to Salford City Red's supporter Mike Marsland, a 60-year-old chartered cccountant from Lymm, Cheshire. He gives his reasons why Salford should be in Super League next year.
Winger Dimitri Pelo has signed a new two year deal at high flying Catalans Dragons.
Hull FC have signed former Hull KR captain and half back James Webster on a short term contract until the end of the season.
On Friday I claimed the top three Super League places had been consolidated. This may well be the case, but the goings-on within that group and below are very much to be concluded.
Leeds are hopeful that captain Kevin Sinfield will return for the Challenge Cup semi-final against St Helens at the end of the month.
Each day this week, I will be speaking to a supporter from each of the clubs seen to be involved in the race for a Super League spot in 2009. Firstly, I spoke to Leigh Centurion’s supporter Michael Norris, a 44-year-old CEO from Wigan working for Micap PLC.
Warrington hammered Wakefield in Lee Briers' 300th game, to record another victory under James Lowes.
Catalans closed the gap between themselves and top spot to one point with a highly impressive performance at the KC Stadium.
Salford demolished Doncaster to lift the Northern Rail Cup on Sunday, while the fight for promotion from National League Two continued.
A last minute drop goal from Chris Thorman gave Huddersfield a 25-24 victory over Bradford Bulls at the Galpharm stadium.
Castleford survived a second-half fightback to pick up their fourth win of the season against Hull KR.
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St Helens claimed top spot in the engage Super League with a comprehensive 54-0 win over Harlequins in London on Saturday night.
Lincoln City Knights moved up to second place with hat-tricks from Johnny Ledger and Jim Bardgett giving them an 88-34 victory over Scunthorpe Barbarians.
St George Illawarra maintained their fine recent form with a 24-16 victory over Newcastle Knights at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
In-form Manly Sea Eagles overcame an understrength Gold Coast 34-14 at Skilled Park in the round seventeen opener.
Wigan and Leeds Rhinos produced a brilliant 80 minutes of Rugby League, with the Warriors coming out on top by a single point
Let's be honest, the top three places in the engage Super League have been pretty much consolidated. The other three, however, are anything but decided.
I’ve spent the last week talking to supporters from many clubs after my article last week. On Monday, here on www.lasttackle.com, we will be starting a new feature focussing on the fan’s views from some of the contenders in the race for a licence contest. Each day will feature the opinions of a different club. Monday is the turn of the Leigh Centurions supporters. Make sure you log on each day to get the views of the most important part of Rugby League: The fans.
Manase Manuokafoa has agreed to join North Queensland Cowboys from South Sydney Rabbitohs for the 2009 NRL season.
Gold Coast Titans look set to be without scrum half Scott Prince for the rest of the season.
Israel Folau was Queensland's hero in the decisive State of Origin match on Wednesday, as they clinched the series with a 16-10 win at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney.
Huddersfield's young star Leroy Cudjoe has committed his future to the club by penning a new two-year deal with the club.
Hull FC prop Garreth Carvell agreed a new three year contract at the club only to request a release from the new deal 24 hours later.
Wigan's Iafeta Paleaaesina has been been given a 200-hour community service order after being found guilty of GBH.
Hull FC's Scott Wheeldon has confirmed that he is in the process of negotiating a new contract at the KC Stadium.
The play-off picture is beginning to take a far more conclusive look as the regular season draws to a close, with four teams set to fight over the three remaining places.
engage Mutual's sponsorship with the Super League will continue for a further three seasons following this one, after a new contract was agreed on Tuesday.
Catalan produced a superb 2nd half performance to stop Wakefield's winning run and keep the pressure on the top 2!
Wakefield Captain Jason Demetriou has committed his future to the Wildcats by agreeing a two year extension to his contract.
Huddersfield's John Skandalis may miss the remainder of the Super League season after suffering a knee injury.
Prop forward Eamon O'Carroll has signed a new three year deal with Wigan which could keep him at the JJB until the end of 2011.
Harlequins have signed Australian Chad Robinson on a two year deal starting next season.
The top two of National League One clashed during this week's National Leagues fixture list.
Chris Hicks kicked the winning goal after the hooter had sounded to secure a vital away victory for Warrington against Hull FC.
St Helens ensured they kept within touching distance of with Leeds with a convincing win over Huddersfield at the GPW Recruitment Stadium.
Hull KR's wretched mid-season form continued on Sunday, as they slumped to a 40-20 defeat to Bradford at the Grattan Stadium.
Lincoln City Knights returned to winning ways with a 42-22 victory away at Rotherham Giants.
Leeds somehow overcame their local rivals in a thrilling comeback to overturn Castleford 18-12.
England ran in seven second-half tries for a comprehensive 56-8 victory over France in Toulouse despite a spirited opening forty from the French.
Pat Richards scored a try and five goals to give Wigan a 38-20 win over Harlequins on the Warriors' return to JJB Stadium.
England boss Tony Smith has said he is “delighted” with his squad for the mid-season international against France in Toulouse tonight.
Harlequins props Karl Temata and Daniel Heckenberg, along with centre Matt Gafa, have extended their stays in London by renewing their contracts at Twickenham Stoop.
Super League is hard to predict at the best of times, but the collision of Round 19 and England's Gillette International Test in France tonight will make it harder than ever.
The whole licence application, in an event in itself, has thrown up more debate than any other Rugby League news story in living memory. As we approach the final furlong I thought I’d assess the chances of the teams in the National League of getting in the final selection come D-Day – July 22nd.
Castleford are still without recent signing Mitchell Sargent for Saturday's game with Leeds, but Joe Westerman has been included in their 18 man squad.
North Queensland Cowboys backrower Jacob Lillyman has finally accepted that his playing days for his beloved Cowboys are finally over.
Gold Coast Titan's hopes of landing the NRL premiership have been dealt a bitter blow with captain Luke Bailey set to be ruled out for the remained of the season.
Hull FC top try scorer, centre Craig Hall, is expected to back within a fortnight after injuring his knee at the weekend.
Hull FC will hold a minutes ovation before Sunday’s engage Super League game against Warrington Wolves at the KC Stadium (3-15pm) in mark of respect for their former captain David Topliss who sadly passed away.
Hull KR's Michael Vella has successfully appealed against a one-match ban, freeing him up for for Rovers' visit to Bradford on Sunday.
Hull FC's Gareth Carvell has been given a time limit by which he has to accept or reject the offer of a new three-year contract.
Bradford have received a major boost with the news that Sam Burgess has signed a new contract with the club to keep him at the Grattan Stadium until the end of the 2011 season.
South Sydney Rabbitohs have extended the contract of Luke Stuart until the end of the 2009 season.
Manly Sea Eagles have denied allegations that centre Jamie Lyon snubbed a call-up to the New South Wales State of Origin team for game two of the series.
Wigan Chairman Ian Lenagan and Chief Executive Joe Lydon have announced the structure of a new management board at the club to take the Warriors in to the licence era.
Gold Coast Titans have secured the services of another potential star of the future after re-signing exciting young prop Will Matthews.
Bradford Bulls have suffered a blow with the news that Tame Tupou will miss the rest of the season.
Leeds' Nick Scruton has been hit with a three-match suspension, after he was red-carded in Friday night's 26-12 defeat at home to St Helens.
Bradford Bulls will make a presentation to Centre Shontayne Hape after his final game for the club on Sunday against Hull KR.
Castleford Tigers continue to build for the future with the announcement that Michael Shenton has agreed a new two-year deal with the club.
Sydney Roosters teenager Mitchell Pearce will make his State of Origin debut in the series decider at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday 2nd July.
Super League licence applicants Featherstone Rovers have parted company with coach David Hobbs.
Parramatta Eels are pleased to announce the re-signing of talented backrower Brendan Oake for the 2009 and 2010 seasons.
Following their scintillating start to the season, Leeds were red-hot favourites to run away with top spot in Super League XIII. The key word is "were".
Six of Leeds' squad have been selected for Friday night's Test match against France, with the majority contemplating playing again in the Super League within 24 hours.
Warrington's Welsh star Lee Briers has called an end to his international rugby league career.
The new England Rugby League shirt, launched last Monday, is proving to be the fastest selling international shirt yet.
Hull KR's Peter Fox and Warrington's Ben Westwood are the surprise inclusions in Tony Smith's 19 man England squad to face France on Friday.
Eleven Catalans Dragons players have been named in the France squad to take on England in Toulouse on Friday.
Huddersfield returned to winning ways to give themselves a four point gap ahead of bottom placed Castleford.
Halifax took advantage of Salford's slip up at Widnes to go top of National League One.
Craig Huby's late penalty ensured Castleford gained a point in a fantastic spectacle at The Jungle
Bradford ended their recent poor run of form by gaining revenge for their Challenge Cup quarter final defeat to Hull.
The line up of Super League in 2009 will be revealed on Tuesday July 22nd, when the 14 successful licence applicants will be announced.
Hull Kingston Rovers have announced that Shaun Briscoe has extended his stay at Craven Park for a further two years.
Four tries in the last ten minutes saw Wakefield snatch a crucial away victory at out of form Hull KR.
James Lowes first game in charge as permanent Head Coach of Warrington ended in a comprehensive defeat as Catalans marched on.
St Helens head coach Daniel Anderson faces an anxious wait over the fitness of influential half-back Leon Pryce, after he hobbled off in Friday night's 26-12 defeat of Leeds.
Lincoln City Knights dropped points at home for the second time this season as they were defeated 60-14 by Thorne Moor Marauders.
St Helens inflicted Brian McLennan's first back-to-back defeat as Leeds coach on Friday night, with a gritty 26-12 win at Headingley.
With the July date for the final decision, on who will be fortunate enough to be accepted be in Super League for the 2009 season, fast approaching it seems that the RFL dream of expanding to Wales will be finally brought home. Of course, it is only speculation that RFL will accept Celtic Crusaders into next year’s competition. Yet, if you believe the surrounding media coverage they are technically a “shoe-in.”
This weekend sees arguably the biggest clash of Super League XIII to date, with league leaders Leeds playing host to title challengers St Helens on Friday night (live on Sky).
Hull KR's play-off hopes have been dealt a hammer blow with the news that Scott Murrell and Chev Walker will both be sidelined for the remainder of this season.
Former Australian and NSW prop Jason Ryles has today signed a three year deal with French based team Les Catalans.
Bradford's Simon Finnigan has succeeded in a test case, allowing him to be omitted from the club's overseas quota for next season.
Huddersfield have confirmed that youngster Michael Lawrence has committed his long-term future to the club.
Leeds' half-back pairing of Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire will be at Headingley for a further five years, after signing new five-year deals with the club.
Speculation surrounding Iestyn Harris's future at Bradford has intensified with the news that he will be taking on a coaching role with Wales.
The Rugby Football League have announced that, from next season, the Super League will have 14 teams instead of 12.
Huddersfield's season goes from bad to worse with the news that influential half-backs Kevin Brown and Luke Robinson have been hit with suspensions.
Warrington Wolves can confirm that James Lowes has been appointed as Head Coach until the end of the 2008 Super League campaign.
Rugby league is mourning the untimely death of former Great Britain star David Topliss, after he suddenly died at the age of 58 yesterday.
Wigan have confirmed that winger Mark Calderwood will not be offered a new deal, and will be leaving the JJB Stadium at the end of the season.
Canberra Raiders hooker Ryan Hinchcliffe has today signed a two-year deal with the Melbourne Storm, joining the club until the end of the 2010 season.
Melbourne young gun Aiden Tolman has signed a two-year extension to his current deal with club, taking him through until the end of the 2010 season.
Challenge Cup fever today hit Wakefield as the semi-final tickets for the clash against Hull FC went on sale to season ticket holders.
Les Catalans have snapped up Manly centre Steve Bell for the 2009 and 2010 Super League seasons.
Leeds saw their cushion at the top of the engage Super League table cut to four points over the weekend, after their slip-up at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday evening.
Catalans club captain Casey McGuire has signed a new contract to remain at the club until the end of the 2010 season.
Harlequins have announced that long-time first team player Jon Wells has committed to a new two year deal with the club.
Doncaster became the first National League Two team to reach a Northern Rail Cup final this weekend.
Warrington re-asserted their top six credentials with a second half blitz at the Halliwell Jones taking them past Hull Kingston Rovers.
Wakefield held on for a crucial two points in the hunt for a top six spot for a 28-26 win over Huddersfield.
A hat-trick from Hulls' top scorer Craig Hall helped Hull FC to a 40-14 victory over Castleford in the bottom of the table clash at the Kingston Communications Stadium.
BARLA’s Great Britain Under 23s’ involvement in the Simone Franchini Nines was thrown into doubt following disgraceful scenes at Padua which led to their game against Ile de Paris being abandoned by French referee M Didier on the hour following a mass brawl.
They may have brought a full complement of star players with them down to London this weekend but Leeds Rhinos certainly didn’t bring that game-dominating mindset for which they’re famous. After a thrilling, and occasionally hot-tempered, afternoon of solid rugby league the Harlequins came away with a deserved victory over the league leaders.
Clint Greenshields grabbed himself a hat-trick as Catalans cemented 3rd position with a win in an extraordinary, high scoring contest in Perpignan.
Salford City Reds will meet Doncaster in the Northern Rail Cup final at Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road thanks to their 36-20 win over Celtic Crusaders.
Lincoln City Knights held on to second place in the league despite a disappointing 32-16 defeat away at Rossington Sharks.
St Helens dispatched Bradford Bulls with relative ease, the Saints claiming a 58-20 win with Bryn Hargreaves helping himself to a hat-trick of tries.
Jamie Peacock has been named England captain by coach Tony Smith ahead of this month’s Gillette Fusion International against France.
Catalans Dragons back rower Jason Croker has signed a one year extension to his contract with the club.
Wigan Warriors' 20-year-old stand off Mark Flanaghan has boosted Halifax's National League aspirations by signing on loan until the end of the season.
A round up of the latest stories involving clubs in the National League.
Harlequins Head Coach Brian McDermott has committed himself to the club for a further three years.
I ended up watching the film Conspiracy Theory the other evening. You’ve probably not seen the film, in fact it wasn’t the best film despite the ‘A’ list cast of Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts.
Doncaster booked a surprise trip to Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road with a hard-won 21-12 victory over Batley Bulldogs at Mount Pleasant.
Hull KR's Clint Newton has been hit with a one-match ban for striking with his forearm during last Friday night's 52-10 loss at St Helens.
The Rugby League Vs Rugby Union column has returned, and I am going to be examining the two different codes of rugby – Rugby League and Rugby Union. Both are great examples of excellent sports entertainment, and although the codes have various similarities, they are also very different.
Super League XIII approaches a crucial part of the season, with all 12 clubs fully aware that any slip-ups now may cost them dear come play-off time.
It was a bit strange to hear a fan recently describe Millennium Magic as “a vital part of the expansionist programme”. The event has certainly been talked of as expansionist by the RFL, Sky Sports and Kevin Ellis, among others, but I never realised anyone took that seriously.
Cameron Phelps could be in line for his Wigan debut this weekend for Saturday night's trip to Les Catalans.
Out of form Bradford are set to hand debuts to Academy regulars Keal Carlile and Kieran Hyde against St Helens at Knowsley Road.
Queensland put in a sterling display in Game II of the 2008 State of Origin series, putting New South Wales to the sword 30-0.
Castleford have terminated the contract of forward Tom Haberecht with immediate effect.
Bradford have been rocked by the news that Glenn Morrison will be sidelined for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.
Celtic Crusaders are rumoured to be plotting a shock move for Bradford's Iestyn Harris, if they qualify for a Super League license for the 2009 season.
St Helens prop Jason Cayless has been ruled out for six to eight weeks, after suffering medial knee ligament damage.
Hull KR's Clint Newton could be hit with a ban, after the forward was charged with striking during Friday night's 52-10 loss at St Helens.
Wigan have signed Parramatta's Tim Smith for the remainder of this and all of next season.
The engage Super League table changed very little this weekend, with only four teams moving up or down.
Gateshead Thunder earned a club record seventh straight win against Keighley Cougars yesterday, whilst centre Kevin Neighbour notched his 50th try in the club.
The RFL have guaranteed that all Hull FC season ticket holders will be guaranteed a ticket for their Challenge Cup semi final clash against Wakefield.
Wigan Warriors home clash with Harlequins on Friday 27th June has been moved to a 7.30pm kick off time.
Super League club Hull Kingston Rovers have today announced the appointment of Paul Blanchard, 42, as the new Chief Executive at Craven Park.
The National Leagues were contested over the first hot weekend of the season, with Halifax and Salford keeping up the pace at the top of League One.
Catalan’s remarkable season continued as they travelled to Bradford and came away with the spoils, recovering a 12-2 defecit in the process.
A strong second half from Warrington secured the points in their first game since the departure of former coach Paul Cullen.
Wakefield compounded Castleford's derby woes this season, with a hard-earned 32-16 win at Wheldon Road on Saturday.
Four tries from Nathan Parkin helped Lincoln Squires to a 46-24 victory over Sheffield Forger’s second team in their first ever fixture.
Lincoln City Knights ran in a record breaking 20 tries to move up to second place with a massive 112-0 victory over Sheffield Forgers.
Leeds Rhinos recovered from a poor first half to post a hard-won 38-22 win over Hull FC at the Headingley Carnegie Stadium.
Three tries from in-form winger Ade Gardner helped St Helens to a convincing 52-10 victory over Hull Kingston Rovers at the GPW Recruitment Stadium.
Following last week's break from Super League action through the Challenge Cup, the competition resumes at full pace this weekend.
One of the major reasons for the move towards a licence system is to stop the scenario where the promoted club struggles to provide a competitive side. I had a look at how the promoted teams have faired during the Super League era.
A round up of the main stories involving teams in the National League.