RL Today: David Fusitu’a on Leeds & coach makes Super League predictions

Drew Darbyshire
David Fusitu'a

David Fusitu'a has joined Leeds on a two-year deal

David Fusitu’a on Leeds move

New Leeds signing David Fusitu’a has discussed his move to the Super League. (Yorkshire Evening Post)

He is one of four new faces at Headingley Stadium in 2022, and will wear shirt number two in 2022 for the Rhinos. He makes the move following 61 tries in 108 NRL matches for New Zealand Warriors. The Tonga international told Yorkshire Evening Post: “I just think it was a time for a change for me. I feel like this new adventure will refresh me and keep me on my toes.”

Coach makes Super League predictions

Bradford head coach John Kear believes it could be a big year for Leeds in the Super League. (Leeds Live)

He has also told Leeds Live that champions St Helens will once again be the benchmark for the competition this upcoming campaign.

Elijah Taylor’s new coaching role

Salford utility and New Zealand international Elijah Taylor has taken on a new role in rugby league.

He has been appointed as Bury Broncos’ Open Age team manager for the 2022 season. They play in the North West Men’s League.

Cornwall host trials

The weekend saw rugby league’s newest team Cornwall RLFC host their open trials.

Cornwall, who have confirmed three signings so far including Super League Grand Final winner Anthony Mullally, will feature in the League 1 competition in 2022.

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Growth in Newcastle

Josh Woods Newcastle

Ambitious Championship club Newcastle Thunder are going into schools spreading the rugby league gospel to the younger generation in the north east.

Club captain Josh Woods told Love Rugby League: “We are going into primary schools and high schools just to sell our name and do some coaching with some young people. Hopefully we can get them on board and get them coming to games.

“We are trying to grow the game as much as we can up here. Hopefully it will take off and we get more fans through the gate.”

TOON: Josh Woods on Newcastle Thunder ambitions, captaincy & expansion

Rugby league in Africa

There’s a good piece in the Mirror on how Salford are heading into Africa to help rugby league in Ghana. (Mirror)

The rugby league fields of Ghana will host the unique sight of Salford versus Salford this year as part of a new partnership. In the Mirror report, Ghana national coach Andy Gilvary estimates there are 1,800 rugby league players in Ghana at present across 10 clubs.

Birthdays

Ireland and Catalans Dragons hooker Micky McIlorum turns 34 today (January 10).

Also celebrating; former Catalans and Warrington forward Ben Pomeroy (38), ex-Wales and Widnes prop Phil Joseph (37), South Sydney Rabbitohs half-back Cody Walker (32), North Queensland Cowboys half-back Chad Townsend (31); Hull centre Carlos Tuimavave (30), Canterbury Bulldogs full-back Matt Dufty (26), Penrith Panthers full-back Dylan Edwards (26), Gold Coast Titans back Patrick Herbert (25) and St George Illawarra Dragons forward Blake Lawrie (25).

Trivia

Midlands Hurricanes featured in the first ever game on Friday, falling to a 46-6 defeat at York in a pre-season friendly. The Hurricanes used to be known as Coventry Bears.

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