RL Today: Penrith stars sacrifice holiday to train for World Club Challenge & tributes pour in for Logan 

Josh McAllister
Nathan Cleary, World Club Challenge, Penrith Panthers. PA

Penrith stars sacrifice holiday to play in World Club Challenge

Penrith Panthers international stars have returned to pre-season early in order to train for the World Club Challenge against St Helens next month. (Sydney Morning Herald)

Eight of the side’s premiership-winning players featured in last year’s World Cup and have all returned to training a week early. Rules signed off by the NRL and Rugby League Players’ Association state that players must train for six weeks prior to playing in a match. 

Penrith take on St Helens on Saturday, 18, February in the World Club Challenge. 

Tributes pour in for Logan

Tributes are pouring in for young rugby league player Logan Holgate, who sadly died suddenly at the age of 18 on Wednesday. (Manchester Evening News)

He was on the Under-18s pathway at Salford and had been selected for England Community Lions Under-19s last year.

RIP, Logan.

Wales international commits future

Wales international Tom Hopkins has agreed to a new two-year deal with Championship outfit Barrow Raiders.

The forward earned his first international debut in 2022 by John Kear and was named in his 24-man squad for the World Cup.

He first joined Barrow ahead of the 2020 season and has made 36 appearances in total.

Mike Forshaw lands major role with Welsh rugby union

Former Great Britain rugby league international Mike Forshaw has become the new defence coach for the Wales rugby union team.

The 53-year-old made more than 300 career appearances during his playing career, representing Wigan, Wakefield, Leeds, Bradford and Warrington.

Kevin Proctor set for Wakefield debut

New signing Kevin Proctor is set to make his first Wakefield appearance this weekend in Reece Lyne’s testimonial match against Halifax.

The Super League side confirmed their squad on Thursday. Following his arrival from Catalans, Samisoni Langi has also been named for his first appearance.

Asiata excited to see Ipape in Super League

Leigh’s John Asiata says he is excited to see team-mate Edwin Ipape compete in Super League in 2023. (Leigh Journal)

The 24-year-old hooker has been named favourite to win Man of Steel by bookmakers in 2023. He was crowned Championship Player of the Year last year during the side’s promotion-winning season.

Birthdays

Former St Helens Grand Final-winning head coach and current Gold Coast Titans boss Justin Holbrook turns 47 today (January 13).

Also celebrating; South Sydney Rabbitohs head coach Jason Demetriou (47), former half-back Tim Smith (38) and Widnes outside-back Matt Fleming (27).

Trivia

England have faced Tonga on three occasions – and international centre Konrad Hurrell has backed his side to play them again in 2023 in a test series.

Read next: Challenge Cup first and second round draws

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