RL Today: Chris Hill hailed, Salford new recruit excited & Hull star targets World Cup

Chris Hill hailed

Huddersfield winger Jermaine McGillvary has been full of praise for the club’s off-season recruit Chris Hill. (The Yorkshire Post)

McGillvary told The Yorkshire Post: “When I watched the forwards doing wrestle, you see a lot of the young ones are in awe of him. He’s a quality player and a good guy as well; a good person to have around the place. He’ll improve us massively on and off the field.”

Nigeria potential

New Wakefield signing Sadiq Adebiyi is flying the flag for Nigerian rugby league in Super League. (Sky Sports)

The Lagos-born forward made his international debut for his country two years ago. He told Sky Sports: “I seriously think rugby league could be big in Nigeria and could see Nigeria competing with some of the big nations in the future.”

Hull star targets World Cup

Hull forward Ligi Sao is keen on a Samoa call-up ahead of next year’s World Cup (Hull Daily Mail)

When asked whether he’d put his hand up for the Samoa squad, Sao told Hull Daily Mail: “Yeah. Obviously the main focus for me is always Hull FC, the rewards will come after. If it comes up, it comes up.”

Rob Burrow book

Leeds legend Rob Burrow narrowly missed out on the top prize for his book Too Many Reasons to Live at the William Hill Sports Book of the Year awards last night but vowed to continue fighting for a cure for motor neurone disease. (Yorkshire Evening Post)

At the ceremony, Burrow said: “It was vital that I continue to raise awareness. I will never stop trying to find a cure for this disease.”

Tim Lafai excited for England move

Samoa international Tim Lafai says he is looking forward to experiencing life in England after joining Salford.

The 30-year-old centre has signed a one-year deal with the Red Devils. He said: “I’m looking forward to this new chapter in my career. I can’t wait to get to work as soon as I arrive. My family and I are excited to be part of the Salford community and we’re grateful for this opportunity.”

Ben Crooks injury update

Hull KR winger Ben Crooks has provided the latest on his recovery as he takes a cautious approach. (Hull Daily Mail)

The 28-year-old underwent shoulder surgery in the off-season. He told Hull Daily Mail: “I think I should be alright for the start of the season. I’ve started doing a little bit in the warm-ups and hope to get in some skills before we break up.”

Birthdays

Leigh prop Mark Ioane turns 31 today (December 3).

Also celebrating; dual-code Tonga international Solomone Kata (27).

Trivia

The Nigeria Rugby League Association was founded in 2018 by former London Broncos and Whitehaven winger Ade Adebisi.