Mgiyuk

25th June 2018, 7:11 am == JAKE ‘The Snake’ is back on America’s sporting landscape – the job now is keeping him there. His first impact certainly answered a few snakes at the NRL, as well as a couple of flamin’ golars! RUGBY FOOTBALL LEAGUE Jake Connor (right) and Tommy Makinson both scored tries on their England debut Jake Connor can declare himself a member of the Mile High club after a dazzling debut as England eventually dominated at the home of NFL giants Denver Broncos. The Hull man, known as The Snake, and Elliott Whitehead stole the show, the former making two tries and scoring one, the latter the opposite way around. But the start of rugby league’s American dream was about more than what happened on the pitch and the governing body Down Under will fight future clashes. Showing the sport to a new audience was the aim and 19,320 – 9,000 MORE than England’s World Cup games in Sydney and Melbourne last year – attended. It is also more than MLS side Colorado Rapids’ average and ...

23rd June 2018, 11:27 pm == ELLIOTT Whitehead and Jake Connor were England’s American dreams as they were devastating in Denver. Wayne Bennett’s men started their road to the next World Cup after agonisingly losing last year’s final 6-0 to Australia in the unlikely surroundings of Mile High Stadium, home of NFL giants Denver Broncos. Rex Features England winger Ryan Hall reaches to score a try during England's 36-18 win against New Zealand in the US But back-rower Whitehead and debutant Connor made sure they were not blown off course, with the former grabbing a double and the latter scoring one try and making two. Boss Bennett again caused a stir by naming Wigan back-rower John Bateman at centre, while debutants Connor and Tommy Makinson made the bench. However, the Kiwis under new coach Michael Maguire were hell bent on getting over last year’s disaster, which saw them exit in the quarter-finals. It did not start well as after what can be best described as a ‘dodgy’ rendition of...

21st June 2018, 6:33 am == WAYNE Bennett believes England can help take rugby league to a new level, no matter what whingeing Aussies say. The NRL and clubs Down Under were against Saturday’s game against New Zealand in Denver. GETTY Wayne Bennett feels England's game in Denver could push rugby league to a new level But national boss Bennett feels it is time to try somewhere new, after little progress in more than 100 years. The fact his squad is in Colorado, with several NRL-based players ignoring the moans, shows the Test’s importance. Veteran Australian Bennett, who kept everyone guessing by naming his team in alphabetical order when players can occupy different roles, said: “A long-term vision is important. “We’ve been around for more than 100 years but we still play in the same places, so it’s important we showcase the game. “There’s a World Cup in North America in 2025, so it’s important we start to play a lot more so the American people understand what rugby league is. AFP...

20th June 2018, 11:00 am == JAKE Connor and Tommy Makinson will make their England debut in Saturday’s Test against New Zealand. But St Helens’ Luke Thompson is the unlucky man to miss out as coach Wayne Bennett trimmed his squad from 18 to 17. HULL FC Hull FC star Jake Connor will make his England debut against New Zealand Hull star Connor and St Helens ace Makinson have both made the cut for the game in Denver, Colorado. However, it is not yet known where either will play as that will not be confirmed until later in the week. Bennett believes both have played their way into selection with a string of impressive Super League performances. MAGIPIX St Helens star Tommy Makinson has also made the cut He said: “We’re trying to build on last year’s game against Samoa and the World Cup but it’s good to see a couple of new faces and see what they can do. “They’ve performed well in the UK and that’s half the battle, playing well at the right time of year and they are playing well. “It will...