RL Today: Super League clubs eye Daniel Tupou & England find test series opponents
Super League clubs eye Daniel Tupou
Super League clubs are keeping an eye on Sydney Roosters winger Daniel Tupou for the 2024 season. (Wide World of Sports)
Tupou, 31, is off-contract at the end of the 2023 NRL season. And with Newcastle’s Dom Young and Wakefield’s Lewis Murphy set to join the Roosters for next year, Tonga international Tupou is expected to be forced with a move away from the club.
England find test series opponents
England Men have found their opponents for a home test series this autumn, but the NRL’s collective bargaining agreement has delayed any sort of announcement. (Yorkshire Live)
Shaun Wane will take charge of England through to the 2025 World Cup in France after signing a new contract earlier this week.
And his side will have a strong opponent at the end of this season, with the RFL chair Simon Johnson confirming on the House of League podcast.
England will also face France in a double-header with the women sides later in April.
Tomkins on his international future
England captain Sam Tomkins has discussed his international future and has backed the decision for Shaun Wane to continue his role as head coach. (Mirror)
Catalans full-back Tomkins will turn 34 later this month, and featured in four of England’s World Cup fixtures at the delayed 2021 campaign.
Tomkins told the Mirror: “The next World Cup might be too far off for me. But I’ll never retire from international rugby league. I’ll never just play club and not country. If I’m good enough to be selected, I’ll always put my hand up to play for England. It’s the proudest moment of my career playing for England. It’s the pinnacle so I’ll never pack it in.”
Wakefield double injury blow
Wakefield have suffered a double injury blow ahead of their home fixture against Huddersfield on Friday.
Full-back Max Jowitt is facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines, reports Yorkshire Post. Meanwhile, Kelepi Tanginoa picked up a fresh hamstring injury in the 60-0 defeat to Wigan last week. (Yorkshire Live)
Kane Linnett on KR future
Hull KR back-rower Kane Linnett has discussed his future at the club. (Hull Daily Mail)
The 34-year-old is off-contract at the end of 2023, having seen the club activate the one-year extension option on his deal last May.
Long-term Leeds casualty set for return
Corey Johnson is set to make his return from injury for Leeds’ opening reserves fixture this Thursday. (Yorkshire Evening Post)
He has recovered from an operation on his back and is one of nine first-team squad members in Rhinos’ potential side to take on Bradford.
Birthdays
Dual-international with Australia and Samoa and current Warrington forward Josh McGuire turns 33 today (March 2).
Also celebrating: Bradford’s Tom Holmes (27) and England international Grace Field (26).
Trivia
Sam Kasiano needs just one appearance to reach 250 for his career: Warrington (two), Catalans (83), Melbourne (14), Canterbury (139), Samoa (5), New Zealand (6).
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