RL Today: To’o new deal, Roosters make signing & Roby on WCC

Drew Darbyshire 09 Dec 2022 8:45 AM

Brian To'o Samoa News Images — Photo: News Images

Samoa star To’o commits to Penrith

Penrith Panthers are have tied down Samoa superstar Brian To’o to a new deal that will see him remain with the club until at least the end of the 2027 season.

The 24-year-old winger has made 70 NRL appearances, has won seven caps for Samoa and has represented New South Wales six times in State of Origin.

To’o said: “I’m very grateful and blessed to call Panthers home for the next four years.

Roosters land former Queensland rep

Sydney Roosters have signed outside-back Corey Allan on a one-year deal for the 2023 campaign.

The 24-year-old has made 50 NRL appearances to date for South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canterbury Bulldogs. He made a solitary appearance for Queensland in the Origin arena in 2020.

Roosters head of recruitment Daniel Anderson said: “We’re pleased to welcome Corey to the Roosters. He is a talented player who will challenge for first grade and provide some terrific depth to our squad.”

Roby on World Club Challenge

St Helens captain James Roby is excited about coming up against NRL champions Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge in February. (St Helens Star)

Roby told the St Helens Star: “We understand that Penrith are a fantastic team and it is going to be a really hard game but we are quietly confident in our own ability on our day can give anyone a run for their money.”

Two in, one out at Whitehaven

Championship club Whitehaven have signed two new players for next season, whilst one has departed the Recreation Ground.

Haven have re-signed Scotland international Guy Graham for 2023 as well as bringing in forward Daniel Spencer-Tonks from Salford.

Graham won two caps for Scotland at the recent World Cup and has made 35 appearances for Whitehaven since making his debut back in 2021.

Spencer-Tonks made his first team debut for Salford last season, and played the majority of the year in the reserves.

Meanwhile, Andrew Dawson has decided to take an extended period of absence from the game and has ended his time at the club.

Dawson, who played 35 games for the Cumbrian club, suffered some head knocks which made him unavailable for selection towards the end of last season. Following a period of reflection, he has made the decision to step away from the game.

Newcastle bid farewell to 14 players

Championship side Newcastle Thunder have confirmed their departing players ahead of the 2023 season.

Each player has found a new club for 2023 – Dan Coates (Midlands), Brad Day (Featherstone), Jesse Dee, Ukuma Ta’ai (both York), Josh Eaves (Whitehaven), Pat Moran (Avignon), Isaac Nokes (Ipswich Jets), Lewis Peachey, Oliver Roberts (both Sheffield), Ellis Robson (Keighley), Jake Shorrocks (Toulouse), Nathan Wilde (Leigh) and Josh Woods (Batley).

Former Wigan and Leigh utility Craig Mullen had initially agreed to stay at Newcastle for next season, but has since decided to pursue another opportunity away from the club.

Turkey international joins Cornwall

League 1 club Cornwall have signed Turkey international Errol Carter for the 2023 season.

The 26-year-old will add utility value to the Choughs, being able to play centre, full-back or wing.

He was born in Southampton but qualifies to play for Turkey through family heritage. He has won seven caps since making his international debut in 2018.

Birthdays

Former Wigan hooker Mark Riddell turn 42 today (December 9).

Also celebrating; former Ireland international Sean Casey (51), ex-Bradford player Davide Longo (47), Papua New Guinea international Enock Maki (33) and Wakefield forward Jay Pitts (33).