Smith is undertaking coaching workshops with sides competing in the European Under 16’s Championships, which begin on Tuesday. Laudable as that may be, it’s a mighty risk to take with public perception ahead of the Wolves biggest game in decades.

Kevin Rudd (RLEF Executive Development Officer) A new board in the county committed to furthering the sport, has applied to be the acknowledged governing body and, following a meeting with RLEF Executive & Development Officer Kevin Rudd, have been granted formal recognition with the granting of Official Observer status.

Rugby League in Belgium received a terrific boost when their representative side defeated a Catalonia XIII 28-22 in Wavre, in the second the Euro Med Challenge game.

Ukraine over-powered hosts and holders Latvia 40-6 in the opening European Bowl clash, quieting the home crowd in Riga, with an impressive, polished performance that saw them dominate from the start.

European RL’s summer of rugby league continues this weekend, which sees the start of the 2009 European Bowl and the second round of the Euro Med Challenge.

Italy retained their European Shield rugby league crown but had to overcome a fight back from Germany before running out 42-30 winners in Huerth, outside Cologne.

Never mind that most of the foreigners in those teams spoke English with more than a hint of Antipodean twang, here was fantasy rugby league. Rugby league played around the world.