Set of Six: The main talking points from the world of Rugby League
Monday 29 June 2015 15:07, UK
We look at the main talking points from last weekend's round of Rugby League fixtures.
Spectacle try form Kevin Penny
Take a bow Kevin Penny who's acrobatics helped Warrington edge out Leigh in Challenge Cup thriller. The Wolves trailed 14-12 after a ferocious first half at the Halliwell Jones Stadium but two quickfire tries from Penny set them on the way to a 34-24 victory. Penny's second was one of the best finishes we have seen for a long time as he had to call upon all his agility. Under pressure out wide, Penny dived high and around the Leigh defence and with his whole body mid-air and out of play, somehow got the ball down. A try of the season contender.
Paul Wellens retires
One of the true legends of the games announces that his rugby league journey has come to an end – on the pitch at least! With nearly 500 appearances, over 1000 points and a medal haul including five Grand Final Winners' rings, five Challenge Cups and two World Club Challenges it is safe the say that St Helens star Paul Wellens has achieved rather a lot during his 17-year career. Luckily for Saints he will remain at the club in a coaching capacity and no doubt continue to have a massive impact on their success.
Leigh's heroics
The Centurions showed how rugby league should be played in their Challenge Cup cracker against Warrington. The loss would have hurt them deeply but the Championship leaders attacked from all areas of the pitch and contributed to an enthralling contest. Whoever does drop into the Middle 8s has a fight on their hands to stay in Super League.
Brothers in arms
The Burgess twins, Tom and George, got one over big brother Luke on Friday as South Sydney Rabbitohs defeated Manly Sea Eagles 20-8 in the NRL. The Burgess brothers were not the only brothers involved in this game as for the first time since 2004 there were three sets of brothers involved in the same game. Glenn Stewart and Brett faced off against each other, while Jake and Tom Trbojevic lined out for Manly.
Challenge Cup draw
Holders Leeds have been drawn to meet Super League champions St Helens for a place in the 2015 Challenge Cup final at Wembley in August.
The heavyweight duo, who meet in a mouth-watering Sky Live Super League fixture at Headingley on Friday night, were paired together in the draw for the semi-finals. Kevin Sinfield was in fine form for Leeds as they booked their semi-final spot with a hard fought 24-6 win over Hull - in fact he made such an impact on the game that Hull coach Lee Radford paid the ultimate back-handed compliment to him: "The quicker Kevin Sinfield retires and goes to rugby union the better. I'll sleep at night then. He kicked us all over the park."
In the other semi-final, Warrington will take on Hull Kingston Rovers, who are aiming for a first Challenge Cup final appearance since 1986. Ties to be played weekend of July 31/August 1, times and venues to be decided
Watch Rugby League on Xtra
Talking about live Super League, we are showing Hull KR v Salford and Wakefield v Hull live on the Sky Sports website via our dedicated online channel; Sky Sports Xtra. Hull KR will host Salford on Tuesday June 30 while Hull FC travel to Wakefield on Wednesday July 1.
To access these games simply head to www.skysports.com/xtra and log in using your Sky ID and password.
