RL Today: Smith contacted by RFL over post-match comments & Tonga not England’s opponents?

Smith contacted by RFL over post-match comments

Leeds boss Rohan Smith has been contacted by the Rugby Football League to discuss comments he made after his side’s defeat to Hull. (Yorkshire Evening Post)

Smith tasted his first defeat at Headingley Stadium since taking charge of the Rhinos as his side fell to a 22-18 loss to Hull in Round Two.

Tonga NOT England’s opponents?

Tonga may not be England’s opponents for a test series at the end of the 2023.

Captain Jason Taumalolo has been given the greenlight to pursue his career in boxing at the end of the year by North Queensland Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel. (7News)

It may be an early suggestion that Tonga will NOT be the opponents for Shaun Wane’s England this year.

“It’s great for Jason to do something he is passionate about,” Reibel told 7News.

“Jason has come to us a few times now expressing his desire to fight and this year shapes as the perfect opportunity to test himself in the ring.

“There is no Test football post-season, so subject to Jase getting through the season and not having any injuries, we’ve given him the green light to fight.”

Thompson timeframe revealed

9News sports reporter Danny Weidler has provided the latest on injured Canterbury Bulldogs prop forward Luke Thompson.

Thompson, 27, suffered an ankle injury on the eve of the NRL season, with general manager Phil Gould confirming the news on social media. He was originally expected to miss a minimum of six months. However, Weidler has reported that the issue is less serious.

He tweeted: “Luke Thompson will require surgery after all following injury at training. Under the knife tomorrow. 12 weeks is expected time out.”

LATEST: Luke Thompson will require surgery after all following injury at training. Under the knife tomorrow. 12 weeks is expected time out. @9NewsSyd @NRLonNine

— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) March 2, 2023

Challenge Cup tie to be streamed

The all-Championship third round Challenge Cup tie between Featherstone and Halifax will be streamed live on The Sportsman.

The fixture will kick off at 3pm from Featherstone’s Millennium Stadium on Sunday, March 12.

Saints boost to keep Sironen

St Helens have a clause in Curtis Sironen’s contract which could see the forward extend his stay for the 2024 Super League season. (Yorkshire Live)

Sironen, 29, has reportedly attracted interest from the NRL following his World Club Challenge performance against Penrith. He initially signed a two-year deal with St Helens, with the option of a third.

Munster’s ugly finger injury

Melbourne playmaker Cameron Munster ignored a gruesome finger injury to return to action in the opening NRL round against Parramatta Eels.

Harry Grant scored the golden point extra time winner for Melbourne, while Munster was forced from the field in the first half with a compound dislocation to his right ring finger.

However, the NRL superstar made a remarkable return, and the club are even hopeful of having their half-back available for Round Two. (Canberra Times)

The Canberra Times reported that Munster required two pain-killing injections as doctors put the bone back in place. And he is likely to need surgery to fix the problem.

Birthdays

Former Wigan, Hull KR and England enter Darrell Goulding turns 35 today (March 3).

Also celebrating: Ex-Australia international centre Brent Tate (41), former NRL outside-back James Roberts (30), Wales international Matty Fozard (28) and Papua New Guinea star Nixon Putt (28).

Trivia

James Donaldson needs one appearances to reach 200 Super League games. Leeds (84), Hull KR (42) and Bradford (73).

The Rhinos take on St Helens in Round Three.

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