RL Today: Welsby attracts NRL interest & Cornwall sign Welsh winger

Welsby attracts NRL interest

St Helens star Jack Welsby is reportedly attracting interest from “several” NRL clubs. (The Mole, Wide World of Sports)

Despite being just 21 years of age, Welsby has already played in three Super League Grand Finals and a Challenge Cup final, winning every one of them. He was also part of England’s World Cup squad last year.

Welsby impressed in Saints’ 30-18 win over St George Illawarra Dragons last weekend. According to The Mole, several NRL clubs have their eyes on him.

St Helens face Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge on Saturday.

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Cornwall sign Welsh winger

League 1 side Cornwall have signed Welsh speedster Jermarie Chatham for the 2023 season.

The 20-year-old, who played for Hull’s reserves last year, attended the club’s open player trial back in November and impressed head coach Mike Abbott.

Chatham was born in Antigua and moved to the UK when he was 11. He started his rugby league journey with Torfaen Tigers and has won representative honours with Wales at junior age groups.

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Boas future

Papua New Guinea international Watson Boas won’t be leaving Doncaster any time soon.

The League 1 club released a statement yesterday, saying they were aware of a story regarding the half-back’s future in his homeland.

The club statement read: “Watson is contracted to the Dons until the end of 2024, and we can confirm that we have not released him from that contract to sign with any other team. The club will not be commenting further on this issue until the matter is resolved.”

O’Connor joins Dewsbury

League 1 club Dewsbury have signed utility back Bailey O’Connor for the 2023 campaign.

The 20-year-old is comfortable at full-back, centre and half-back. He featured in Dewsbury’s final two pre-season friendlies against Bradford and Huddersfield. He has previously represented England Community Lions.

Rams coach Liam Finn said: “We heard about Bailey through a number of different people most of which were people from around his community club at Lock Lane who wanted him to test him because they believe in his ability.”

Australia star pens new NRL deal

North Queensland Cowboys have tied down Australia international Jeremiah Nanai to a new deal which will see him stay at the club until at least the end of 2027.

The 19-year-old forward has scored 18 tries in 27 appearances for the Cowboys so far. He represented Queensland in State of Origin last season before going on to play at the World Cup for Australia.

Cowboys general manager of football Michael Luck said: “Jeremiah has shown faith in our club by signing a long-term extension and we are excited to watch his continuing development over the coming years.”

Workington’s Ghana international

Somehow we missed this last month, but League 1 side Workington have signed Ghana international Sean Sabutey on a one-year deal from Australian outfit Glebe Dirty Reds.

Sabutey will make his Workington debut against London Skolars on Saturday.

He made his international debut for Ghana last October in the Middle East-Africa Rugby League Championship.

🏉🇬🇭 | Ghana international Sean Sabutey and @WorkingtonTown will start their Betfred League One campaign against London Skolars this Saturday.

Sean joined Town last month on a one-year deal from Australian side @glebedirtyreds and is set to make his first competitive appearance. pic.twitter.com/Jy0nTnfUGL

— Kootsebi Sowah (@Kootsebi) February 15, 2023

Birthdays

Australia World Cup winner, Queensland representative and Gold Coast Titans captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui turns 23 today (February 16).

Also celebrating; ex-Manly coach Des Hasler (62), former Bradford forward Michael Worrincy (37), Samoa international Dunamis Lui (33), Greece captain Jordan Meads (31), Leeds winger Ash Handley (27), Nigeria international Tuoyo Egodo (26), Hull half-back Jake Trueman (24) and Samoa international Kelma Tuilagi (24).

Trivia

Eight St Helens players have previously played in a World Club Challenge – Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees, Jonny Lomax, Tommy Makinson, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Mark Percival, James Roby, Alex Walmsley and Jack Welsby.

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