RL Today: Leeds selection headaches & Kristian Woolf on Catalans
Selection dilemma for Leeds
Leeds Head Coach Richard Agar has an almost fully fit squad to choose from for their Super League opener against Warrington. (Leeds Live)
Agar told Leeds Live:”I guess in my head I certainly know what our 21 is going to be and I probably know what our 19 will be, we’ve just one or two little calls to make in and around a couple of positions.
Kristian Woolf praises Catalans recruitment
St Helens Head Coach Kristian Woolf has praised the players Catalans have managed to bring in ahead of 2022. (St Helens Star).
Woolf told St Helens Star:“I have had the privilege of working with Mitchell Pearce before, he is a terrific half back and terrific character.
“They have done well with their recruitment – and Dylan Napa and Tyrone May have also played in Grand Finals and are very accomplished players – and have done a good job in how they are going to improve themselves.”
Kane Evans fit to return
Hull forward Kane Evans will be back in time for Hull’s round four clash against Castleford. He does not need surgery on a pectoral injury. (Hull Live).
Head Coach Brett Hodgson told Hull Live: “He faces three weeks suspension anyway at the start of the season but it is a minor tear there so he doesn’t need an operation and he’ll be good to go in round four.
“He doesn’t miss any time through injury.”
Matty Ashton keen to prove himself
Warrington back Matty Ashton has said he is keen to prove himself in 2022 and have an injury-free year. (Warrington Guardian).
Ashton told Warrington Guardian:“Getting through a full season is definitely my main target, and playing as many games as I can having been in and out of the team for the past two years.
“I still feel like I’ve got a lot to prove, not only to everyone else but to myself.”
Jake Mamo hoping to be taken seriously as a centre
Castleford centre Jake Mamo says he hopes people will take him seriously in the position (Wakefield Express).
Mamo told Wakefield Express:“I was always confident that centre was my best position but there was always someone better than me on paper and therefore they got picked.
“Fortunately, now I’ve got a chance. Hopefully people will take me seriously now as a centre and keep me there.”
Josh Charnley helps out former club
Warrington winger Josh Charnley has returned to boyhood club Chorley Panthers in a Background Advisory role.
Charnley played for the Panthers as well as Wigan St Patricks, before being picked up by the Warriors.
⚫️⚪️⚫️The Open Age can announce 2 additions to the back room staff for the 2022 season. Ex Panthers youngsters @AlexTrumper & @Joshuacharnley bring a huge amount of experience to the table. Alex joins us as an Assistant Coach whilst Josh joins us in a Background Advisory role 🏉 pic.twitter.com/VX6b6hbM9C
— Chorley Panthers RLFC (@ChorleyPanthers) February 3, 2022
Birthdays
Former Great Britain half-back Bobbie Goulding turns 50 today.
Also celebrating are: Josh Perry (41), Sydney centre Kevin Naiqama (33), Wakefield half-back Mason Lino (28) and Tonga forward Tevita Pangai Jr (26).
Trivia
Leeds welcome Warrington to Headingley Stadium on Saturday. The match will be the first free-to-air match showin in the Super League.
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