Super

MARK Percival believes St Helens are proving talk is not always cheap, especially when it comes from within.

For a frank discussion is proving the moment their season turned a corner.

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Just over three months ago, boss Paul Wellens was getting all kinds of stick as the former four-time Super League and World Club champions floundered.

Now after nine wins in 11 matches, Saints are firmly in the race for a top three finish and defeating rivals Wigan tonight would put them in contention for second.

And centre Percival can pinpoint the moment the tide started to turn – and the real St Helens started showing up.

He said: “About 12 weeks ago, we all had a good sit down – I think it was after the Warrington game – and a chat.

“I’ve been part of this club for 12 years and I’d not had a chat like that for a long time. It wasn’t nice at the time, a lot of honest things were said.

“But I think it really did turn the corner for us. Since then, everyone’s bought into what we want to do.

“Everyone knows St Helens as a club – we play tough but also play smart. We lost that a bit. We were trying to beat teams by going out there and expecting it to happen.

“We wanted it easy at the time but over the last 12 weeks, we’ve relearned how hard it is.

“We beat Wakefield by a few points but everyone said it was harder than it seems. That’s because we were putting in the effort we were supposed to.

“And you feel for the coach sometimes when they’re copping the stick. It was to do with us on the field if I’m honest. We had a good enough team out there, but we weren’t performing.”

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St Helens and Wigan would be a fierce derby if they were playing tiddlywinks, never mind rugby league.

Throw in competition for England places against Australia and you have even more reason to perform, especially at centre.

As well as Percival, you have Saints’ Harry Robertson and Wigan’s Jake Warde battling it out as the 31-year-old admits one of those roles is taken if Herbie Farnworth is fit.

He added: “There are a lot of good players in my position. Harry, myself and Jake out there tonight.

“I know what I can do but I see the likes of Herbie and Jake as absolutely brilliant players. No-one’s getting in over Herbie, he’s probably the best centre in the world.

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“And I hope he’s fit for England’s sake.

“Harry’s superb and it’s kept me on my toes as we’ve players coming up who are athletic, strong, brilliant.

“Every club has a transition period. A few years ago, we had all that success but you lose players who won all that.

“Now we’re trying to build that team again and over the next few years, with the young lads we’ve got, it can get back to that as they’ve the ability to do it.”

DESMOND HOWARD has signed a big-money extension with ESPN.

The 55-year-old former wide receiver will continue his 20-year stint at the broadcaster following negotiations.

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The Heisman trophy winner said: “I am thrilled to continue this journey with ESPN.

“There’s nothing I’d rather be doing during the fall than showcasing the incredible sport that we all love alongside my College GameDay family.”

The channel’s content president Burke Magnus was thrilled with the new deal.

He said: “Desmond has played a pivotal role in ESPN and College GameDay’s success for two decades, so we’re thrilled that the Heisman Trophy winner and one of college football’s all-time greats will continue to offer his analysis and perspective – and, of course, occasional friendly jabs – across our coverage.”

The former Michigan Wolverines ace gave one of the most iconic highlights of all time when he struck the famous trophy pose after a return touchdown against archrival Ohio State. 

Howard also etched his place in football history as one of only four men to win the Heisman and the Super Bowl MVP. 

Howard landed that honour with the Green Bay Packers, scoring a kickoff return touchdown to help lead the team to a victory in Super Bowl XXXI.

Michigan retired Howard’s iconic No. 21 jersey in 2015 after he was the first receiver in Big Ten history to lead the conference in scoring. 

Howard set or tied five NCAA records and 12 single-season Michigan records.

In 1991, he won the Heisman Trophy by the second-largest margin in history, claiming 85 percent of the vote.

The visitors suffered a huge blow after just eight minutes when loose forward Morgan Knowles was forced off with a head injury after a high shot which earned Martin 10 minutes in the sin-bin.

The home fans breathed a sigh of relief moments later when half-back Lewis returned to the field after limping off, and George Delaney, on for Knowles, could have seen worse than a yellow card after putting his shoulder into Eribe Doro’s head.

Martin was stopped inches short and James Batchelor knocked on close to the line as Rovers looked to exploit their man advantage, but fine scramble defence denied them in a breathless and scoreless opening half-hour.

Martin nudged the hosts ahead after Joe Batchelor was punished for an off-the-ball hit on Jez Litten, yet Saints, under the cosh for long periods, went in level through Percival when Litten was pinged for ruck interference.

Joe Batchelor’s shoulder put the visitors behind for a second time soon after the restart when he illegally blocked Lewis from following up his chip and chase and Martin kicked a simple penalty.

Tom Davies was denied the opening try after Peta Hiku stuck a foot in touch, but Rovers ground their way to a six-point lead with two quick penalties, the second conceded by Delaney, who was forced to hold on after Lewis cut loose.

Showing signs of wear and tear, the visitors finally buckled, with Lewis unsurprisingly the man to unpick the lock in the 67th minute, setting up field position with a brilliant 40-20 kick before supplying the try assist.

Saints set up a nervy finale with a try out of nowhere when Cross chased down Jack Welsby’s kick ahead, but the hosts held on for a fifth successive win over the Saints and a third of the season.

Warrington: Dufty; Thewlis, Duffy, King, Thewlis; Williams, Hayes; Yates, Walker, Thomas, Smith, Holroyd, Matterson.

Interchanges: Philbin, McKinney, Wood, Powell; Hartill.

Salford: Walker; Tchamambe, Darbyshire, Gorman, Connell; Mellor, Milnes; Lewis, Davis, Sangare, Ruan, Russell, Wilson.

Interchanges: Nikorima, Chan, Warren, Croft; Shaw.

Referee: Scott Mikalauskas.

The salary cap for playing staff in SRC, which gets under way on 12 September, has gone up to £160,000 after being £150,000 last season.

“At the moment we don’t know what ‘significant investment’ could be but one thing that we are committed to is working with the 10 clubs individually and collectively to get their feedback, thoughts and ideas as part of the consultation process,” said WRU head of player development John Alder.

“Whatever the future looks like, SRC has an integral role to play and we have to figure out how we can keep driving standards up.

“It will be an interesting six weeks and we will just have to wait to discover what comes from the conversations at all levels.

“We will ensure that the 10 SRC clubs are heard and they are part of the process because we are committed to continually improving the competition.”

The SRC clubs are due to meet on 9 September and will discuss their approach to the WRU proposals, which could see a change to their relationships with regional academies.

“No club will ever turn their nose up at significant investment but we need to see what that means, and indeed if it’s even there,” said Jon Jones, chairman of Ebbw Vale and representative for the SRC clubs.

“We need a clearer picture of what the plans are and to get some detail, but we have a really good relationship with the Union and I am sure we will have those discussions.”

Traditional towels can take ages to dry so even in the sunniest of spots they might not be ready in time for the next trip to the beach or pool, but one brand has a solution.

There’s nothing more frustrating than a soggy beach towel on your jollies. Traditional towels can take an age to dry, meaning even in the sunniest of spots, they might not be ready for your next trip to the lido or beach.

However, there is a solution as bargain hunters can snap up towels from the Dock and Bay Summer Sale, running from August 21-28 and offering up to 50% off its popular towels and accessories. Dock and Bay beach towels are crafted from 100% recycled plastic bottles and feature a fabric that is said to dry three times faster than cotton.

Sand is also able to shake right off due to the loopless weave, while the lightweight design makes them a doddle to carry. Each towel comes with a matching pouch so customers can pack it up neatly for trips to the beach, lido or lake.

Available in a variety of vibrant patterns, these towels are designed to stay fresh and absorbent even after being washed. Among the options on sale are the Quick Dry Towels – Sand to Sea, which is down from £28 to £19.59 and comes in a range of colours such as Tangerines and Greens, Cancun Green, Phi Phi Pink and a set of six Rainbow Shores with funky designs.

Touted as being perfect for travellers and explorers, they are also available in sizes large or extra large, with children’s beach towels also available which are foldable, lightweight and compact. These come in various colours including the Turtley Tropical (£18), Build-A-Beach (£18) or a simple Goa Grey (£20), reports the Daily Record.

Dock & Bay Summer Sale

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Shop the Dock & Bay Summer Sale from August 21-28.

If towels aren’t what customers are after, there are also beach pillows, ponchos, coolers (£55) and beach bags on offer through their website. For alternatives, smart shoppers could consider the Catherine Lansfield Two Pack Beach Towel (£16) from Argos, which showcases pink and orange hues with horizontal stripes and is machine washable and tumble dryer safe.

Another option is the Printed Microfibre Towel (£12.99) from Mountain Warehouse which is lightweight and said to dry up to four times quicker than a standard towel with extra absorption. But the Dock and Bay towels have received excellent reviews and achieved a 4.9-star rating from customers.

One happy shopper said: “Massive, lightweight, vibrant colours, super soft, very impressed.” Another said: “Absolutely love my Dock and Bay towel. Looks fab and it dried me super quick, so good I have just purchased the head towel.”

Not everyone was satisfied though, as one reviewer said: “Towel arrived in good time but sadly was sent back the same day.” While another satisfied customer said: “Bought for myself, love the stripes. Super quick drying and packs away very small in a nice pouch. 10 out of 10.”

The Dock and Bay Summer Sale is live now until August 28.

The statement also said that they received positive assurances about an upcoming winding-up petition from His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), which was adjourned earlier this year and is set to take place at the High Court on 3 September.

It has been a tumultuous 12 months for Salford, who have been plagued with financial issues despite a takeover by a consortium led by Dario Berta going through on the eve of the season.

In the past month the situation at the club has worsened, with a mass player exodus, problems with wage payments and their chief operating officer, Claire Bradbury, quitting her role, alleging the club’s ownership suggested she “sleep with someone at the Rugby Football League” to ease their situation.

Salford said they would be “conducting a thorough internal investigation”.

“The club owners also informed us that they’re in the process of arranging a bridging loan to assist in seeing the club through to the end of the season and to enable the club to make progress in clearing debts,” the mayors’ statement continued.

“In light of the bridging loan being pursued, we agreed to work together in hopefully securing an outcome that maintains the club as a going concern.

“We understand how difficult this time is for the club’s fans and loyal supporters and want to assure you, we are doing everything within our power to safeguard the club’s future.”

Wigan: Field; Eckersley, Keighran, Wardle, Marshall; French, Smith; Havard, O’Neill, Byrne, Walters, Farrell, Ellis

Interchanges: Nsemba, Mago, Leeming, Hill.

Sin-bin: Havard (60 mins)

Wakefield: Jowitt; Walmsley, Scott, Pratt, Johnstone; Trueman, Lino; McMeeken, Hood, Storton, Vagana, Griffin, Pitts

Interchanges: Atoni, Cozza, Smith, Faatili.

Referee: Chris Kendall.

Cristiano Ronaldo is first player to score 100 goals for four professional clubs but Al Nassr lose final to Al-Ahli.

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score 100 competitive goals for four different clubs, though Al Nassr lost to Al-Ahli in a penalty shootout after the Saudi Super Cup final ended 2-2.

The first half strike at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday took the 40-year-old to his century for the Saudi Arabian club, which he joined in December 2022.

It adds to his 450 goals for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United and 101 for Juventus and moves Ronaldo ahead of the three players who had scored 100 times for three clubs: Isidro Langara, who played in Spain from 1930 to 1948, as well as Brazilian stars Romario and Neymar.

Ronaldo, who has yet to win a major trophy in Saudi Arabia, is also the leading international goalscorer with 138 goals for Portugal.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner put Al Nassr ahead after 41 minutes with a penalty, though Franck Kessie quickly equalised for Al-Ahli.

With seven minutes remaining, Marcelo Brozovic restored Al Nassr’s lead, but there was still time for Brazilian defender Ibanez to head home a corner and take the game into a penalty shootout.

Ronaldo scored once more from the spot, but his teammate Abdullah al-Khaibari did not, and Al-Ahli won 5-3 to lift the first trophy of the Saudi Arabian season.

It was a chastening evening for the Challenge Cup holders, who found Leeds simply too hot to handle.

They were not helped by first-half injuries to forwards Sauaso Sue and Jai Whitbread, which took them out of the contest and, in the case of Sue in particular, looks serious enough to threaten his involvement in the run-in.

Already without the suspended Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Hull KR were on the back foot from the start with Leeds drawing first blood in the 13th minute through Connor, who landed six out of six with the boot.

There did not look to be much on when he took the ball in the middle of the field, but a fend on Whitbread created the space and the Leeds half-back had the pace to go over.

Four minutes later, teenage front-row Cassell struck for his side’s second try, collecting Kallum Watkins’ chip kick, which cannoned off the post.

It was the outstanding young prospect’s second try in two games.

Things went from bad to worse for the Robins when Miller went over for the home side’s third try in the 26th minute. It was a beauty too, with the lightning full-back gliding through a hole as the home side spread the ball, and then stepping off his right foot for his ninth Super League try of the season.

Leeds led a stunned Hull KR 18-0 at the break.

The visitors came out strongly after the break, but winger Joe Burgess was thwarted by a terrific last-ditch tackle from Newman. Then Mikey Lewis, who endured an uncharacteristically error-ridden evening, was held up over the line.

Hull KR claimed a try on the hour as Newman, under pressure for a kick from Jack Broadbent, spilled the ball behind his own line, but referee Jack Smith adjudged he was tackled in the air.

Brodie Croft put Newman in for Leeds’s fourth try with ten minutes left, leaving Tom Davies’s 100th Super League try late as mere consolation.

While the defeat will almost certainly only delay Hull KR’s crowning as League Leaders’ Shield winners, Leeds have put themselves right into the race for second place that brings with it a home semi-final.

The only blot on the evening for Leeds was the loss of captain Ash Handley in the second half to a groin injury.

England captain Leah Williamson is set to miss the start of the Women’s Super League season with a knee injury she suffered in the Euro 2025 final.

The 28-year-old Arsenal centre-back missed the Gunners’ pre-season training camp in Germany this month after reporting back to the club with swelling in her right knee.

She has now had a small clean-up operation, which was a success, and has started her rehabilitation, but she is be expected to be out for several weeks.

Arsenal, who won the Champion League last season, begin their WSL campaign against London City Lionesses on 6 September.

Williamson suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the same knee during a WSL game against Manchester United in April 2023, although her latest injury is not directly linked to that one.

After guiding England to their first European Championship title in 2022, she was then forced to miss the World Cup a year later because of the ACL setback. Williamson spent nearly 10 months on the sidelines before returning to Arsenal and the Lionesses in early 2024.

She played the full 90 minutes plus extra time of the Euros final last month, which ended 1-1, as England beat world champions Spain 3-1 on penalties.

England team-mate Lauren James is also set to miss the start of the season for Chelsea with an ankle injuru sustained while winning the Euros.

Tottenham forward Mathys Tel says the online racist abuse he received after the club’s recent defeat in the Uefa Super Cup will not “bring him down”.

The 20-year-old Frenchman was the target of abusive messages on social media after Spurs lost the match 4-3 on penalties after letting a two-goal lead slip in normal time.

Tel came on as a substitute in the 79th minute and was one of two Spurs players who failed to convert from the spot in the penalty shootout.

Spurs said they were “disgusted” by the abuse and those who sent the messages to Tel, who joined the north London club from Bayern Munich permanently in the summer, were “nothing but cowards”.

Speaking for the first time since the incident in a post on his Instagram account, external Tel said he wanted to say “thank you” for all the “messages of support” he had received.

“I was also disappointed about Wednesday night but racism has no place in our society. Every day is a learning curve, and every day is a lesson,” Tel said.

“I know where I come from, where I started and none of this will bring me down. With work and humility, respect reigns.”

Tel’s comments come in the wake of racist abuse suffered by Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo in their opening match of the Premier League season against Liverpool at Anfield.

Last Friday’s game with the current champions was briefly halted in the 29th minute after Semenyo flagged it up to the referee.

A 47-year-old man from Liverpool, who was arrested by Merseyside Police on Saturday on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence, has been conditionally bailed.

French forward Mathys Tel was one of two Tottenham players to miss their penalties in the UEFA Super Cup defeat by PSG.

Tottenham has slammed the “cowards” who racially abused French forward Mathys Tel in the wake of the team’s loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup after a penalty shootout.

The 20-year-old Tel, who is Black, was one of two Tottenham players who failed to convert their penalties as they lost the shootout 4-3 to PSG after a 2-2 draw.

“We are disgusted at the racial abuse that Mathys Tel has received on social media following last night’s UEFA Super Cup defeat,” Tottenham said in a statement.

“Mathys showed bravery and courage to step forward and take a penalty, yet those who abuse him are nothing but cowards – hiding behind anonymous usernames and profiles to spout their abhorrent views.”

Tottenham said the club will work with the authorities and social media platforms to take “the strongest possible action against any individual we are able to identify”.

“We stand with you, Mathys,” Spurs added.

Tel, who joined the team on a permanent basis from Bayern Munich in the offseason after a loan spell last season, went on as a substitute in the 79th minute when Tottenham was 2-0 ahead.

He hit his shootout penalty wide.

BBC Sport pundit Julien Laurens believes Lucas Chevalier recovered well from his early mistake in his PSG debut and has dealt with the pressure of replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma, as the French goalkeeper saved a penalty to help PSG beat Tottenham Hotspur win the UEFA Super Cup in Udine.

MATCH REPORT: UEFA Super Cup – Tottenham v Paris Saint-Germain

Available to UK users only.

In making a decision that has surprised many in world football, Luis Enrique believes Chevalier will improve PSG even more, especially with his team’s playing style.

The French keeper has been likened to a five-a-side player due to the quality of his touch, vision and ability to break lines with his passing from the back.

Chevalier can effectively turn into an outfield player for PSG when in possession as they look to build an attack from their own defensive line.

Replacing Donnarumma will be tough, but he stepped up successfully as Lille’s first choice in the 2022-23 season after just a season in Ligue 2 with Valenciennes. Pressure should not be an issue.

Chevalier was named Ligue 1’s best goalkeeper last term with 11 clean sheets as his side finished fifth, while earning a call-up to France’s senior squad.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live: “The goalkeeper situation is a huge decision from Luis Enrique. Gianluigi Donnarumma is the best shot stopper and he is the best version of the older-style goalkeeper, but they have been replaced by the modern-day keeper who play in the defensive third.

“Luis Enrique is leaning into the way that modern teams want to play and build from the back. PSG are looking for that ninth degree, that tiny little bit of percentage of advantage and with Lucas Chevalier they feel they can further refine their style.”

Signs of what Chevalier will bring were seen during his debut against Spurs, with PSG opting to go short on goal-kicks and showing no fear when using him in general play.

He should have done better with Cristian Romero’s header that put the Premier League side 2-0 ahead, but showed great reflexes in a stunning save to push Joao Palhinha’s effort on to the bar, although Micky van de Ven netted the rebound for Spurs’ opener.

Chevalier then stopped Van de Ven’s penalty in the shootout as PSG won after a superb comeback from 2-0 down.

It was a bold move by Luis Enrique to drop Donnarumma and turn to the Frenchman, but one that could prove a masterstroke in the future if Chevalier lives up to great expectations.

Tottenham let slip a two-goal lead as late PSG strikes sent European football’s season opener to penalties in Italy.

Paris Saint-Germain beat Tottenham 4-3 on penalties to win the UEFA Super Cup, completing a remarkable rally after scoring two late goals to take the match to a shootout.

It secured the fifth trophy of 2025 for the French club.

Lee Kang-in scored in the 85th for PSG, and fellow substitute Goncalo Ramos grabbed an equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time to make it 2-2 in regulation.

Nuno Mendes converted the clinching penalty in the shootout for PSG.

“I am proud. We haven’t [had] much preparation, but you could see that football is not only about the physical aspect – it is also about the mental aspect, being in the right place, having the right tactics,” PSG captain Marquinhos told broadcaster Canal Plus.

“They sat back a lot after going 2-0 up, and it is dangerous to invite PSG to come at you like that.”

The Super Cup is an annual early-season match between the most recent winners of the Champions League (PSG) and Europa League (Tottenham), and it was hardly going to script when the English club took a 2-0 lead early in the second half.

Defenders popped up with Spurs’ goals, with Micky van de Ven showing quick reactions to prod home the opener in the 39th minute after new PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier tipped Joao Palhinha’s shot onto the crossbar.

Chevalier – playing ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who announced Tuesday he was leaving PSG – might have been unlucky with the first goal but was to blame for the second after failing to keep out a header from newly appointed Tottenham captain Cristian Romero in the 48th.

Tottenham is further along in its preparations for the new campaign than PSG, whose players have only just returned to training after being involved in the Club World Cup until mid-July, and looked much sharper at Stadio Friuli.

PSG finished strongly, though, and hit Tottenham with late goals as Lee smashed in a low shot from the edge of the area and Ramos headed home Ousmane Dembele’s right-wing cross.

In the shootout, Vitinha missed PSG’s first attempt, but the French team then converted four in a row. Van de Ven and Mathys Tel failed to score for Tottenham, whose manager, Thomas Frank, was taking charge of his first competitive match with the Premier League team.

Frank took over in the offseason following the firing of Ange Postecoglou, who led Tottenham to its first trophy in 17 years with a victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in May.

“I think we played a very good game against one of the best teams in the world – maybe the best in this moment in time,” Frank told TNT Sports.

“I think we had them exactly where we wanted them for 80-something minutes until the 2-1 goal. Then, of course, that shifted a little bit the momentum, but there was so much positive.

“I am so proud of the team, the players, the club, the fans. I think there is a lot to be happy with. It is a flip of a coin when you go into a penalty shootout.”

PSG completed the Champions League-Ligue 1-Coupe de France treble last season, also winning the Trophee des Champions in January. The team lost the Club World Cup final to Chelsea.

Substitute Lee Kang-in produces a brilliant strike from the edge of the box to bring Paris Saint-Germain back into the game as Tottenham’s lead is cut to 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup final in Udine.

MATCH REPORT: UEFA Super Cup – Tottenham v Paris Saint-Germain

Available to UK users only.