Rugby League Today: Konrad Hurrell x-factor, Daryl Powell interview & Wakefield recruitment

Konrad Hurrell x-factor

St Helens coach Kristian Woolf believes new signing Konrad Hurrell can bring the x-factor to the club. (St Helens Star)

Woolf told the St Helens Star: “We will get him at his fittest and at his best and if we do that and he is happy, we will have a real player on our hands. He can be a real X Factor for us next year and I am sure the fans will love him.”

Daryl Powell interview

Daryl Powell has given his first interview since becoming Warrington coach. (Warrington Guardian)

He said: “Pre-seasons are pretty short in rugby league so I want to get it right. And this week, meeting most of the players, I’ve found them to be great blokes, driven blokes, and I want to help them reach potential as individuals and obviously as a group.”

Hull KR contract decisions

Hull KR have 16 contract decisions they must make in 2022. (Hull Daily Mail)

The Robins have a large group of players entering the final year of their contracts at Craven Park – including Kane Linnett, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Korbin Sims and Albert Vete.

Liam Farrell eyes World Cup spot

Wigan forward Liam Farrell is targeting more England caps after impressing in their win over France. (Wigan Today)

Farrell told Wigan Today: “Hopefully, I can try and keep my club form going next year so I can be involved in the World Cup.”

Leigh getting busy

Leigh have been incredibly busy in the recruitment department and it is showing no signs of slowing down.

Within the last 24 hours, the Centurions have announced the re-signing of Kiwi prop Mark Ioane. They’ve also signed young wingers Jayden Hatton, Luis Roberts and Tom Nisbet ahead of their return to the Championship.

Leigh have also been linked with moves for Australian full-back Adam Quinlan (Hull Daily Mail) and Tonga half-back Ata Hingano (Manchester Evening News).

Wakefield recruitment

Wakefield chief executive Michael Carter has laid out his recruitment strategy. (The Yorkshire Post)

Carter told The Yorkshire Post: “Ideally, I would like to find English-born players that will complement and add to our squad but, unfortunately, they are thin on the ground as well.”

Birthdays

Former Great Britain, Wales and St Helens hooker Keiron Cunningham turns 45 today (October 28).

Also celebrating; Wakefield half-back Lee Gaskell (31) and St Helens forward Joe Batchelor (27).

Trivia

St Helens and Leeds are the only clubs to have won the Super League Grand Final three times in a row. Saints in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and the Rhinos in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

READ MORE: Championship ins and outs for 2022: Signings and retentions club-by-club