Rugby League Today: George Williams classy gesture, Championship signings & Mitchell Pearce latest

Drew Darbyshire
George Williams in action for Warrington

George Williams in action for Warrington

George Williams makes classy gesture

Warrington star George Williams made a kind gesture to a young fan recently. The Wolves’ half-back received a letter from a young fan after giving him his boots, and in turn, bought his season ticket for 2022. It was a great video put together by the club and it’s the wholesome content we love to see.

Classy stuff from George Williams and the Warrington club.

Andrew Johns returns to Newcastle Knights

Newcastle Knights legend Andrew Johns has returned to the NRL club in a coaching consultancy role.

The 47-year-old, who had a short stint with Warrington in 2005, is an all-time favourite at the Knights. He made 249 appearances for the club and won two premierships.

Knights chief executive Philip Gardner said: “Joey’s return marks the beginning of an incredibly exciting period in our club’s history and we can’t wait to see him get to work.”

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Mitchell Pearce latest

It has been reported that Newcastle Knights want a transfer fee as Mitchell Pearce is set to request a Super League release. (Fox Sports)

Former State of Origin half-back is set to formally request a release from his Knights contract so he can join Super League side Catalans Dragons, according to Fox Sports. He has reportedly been offered a three-year contract by the Dragons.

Championship player movement

While the rugby league season might be finished, there is still plenty of business being done in terms of player recruitment and retention.

Relegated Championship side Swinton have signed half-back Lewis Else from Widnes upon the expiry of his contract. He made 15 appearances in 2021.

Meanwhile, Widnes announced the signing of back-rower Oliver Davies from Sheffield for the 2022 season. Sheffield have also retained Blake Broadbent on a two-year deal.

Dewsbury have signed forward Jimmy Beckett on a one-year deal from Featherstone. The 21-year-old featured for the Rams on loan last season.

Featherstone have appointed former Leeds and Toronto Wolfpack boss Brian McDermott as their new head coach.

Shaun Wane hailed

Mikolaj Oledzki in action for Leeds
Mikolaj Oledzki made his England debut on Saturday

Leeds prop Mikolaj Oledzki was full of praise for England coach Shaun Wane after making his test debut. (Yorkshire Live)

The Poland-born forward, who moved to England when he was eight, made his international debut for England in Saturday’s win over France. On Wane, Oledzki told Yorkshire Live: “It helps to improve as a player because I take that with me back to Leeds. I have found that Shaun cares a lot about the young lads and wants to develop them. When he says he wants us to play in a World Cup, he really means it.”

Daryl Powell sends message to Warrington fans

New Warrington coach Daryl Powell has penned a message to supporters. (Warrington Guardian)

In the Warrington Guardian, Powell wrote: “I have a really strong idea of how the game should be played and I’m looking to put that across from day one so that the fans can hopefully enjoy the style of rugby that we’re going to play here by a group of fantastic rugby league players.”

Birthdays

Former Leeds favourite Brett Delaney turns 36 today (October 26).

Also celebrating; Toulouse forward Harrison Hansen (36), Doncaster centre Sam Smeaton (33), Fiji international Waqa Blake (27) and Newcastle Thunder half-back Jake Shorrocks (26).

Trivia

In 2018, Tony Gigot became the first Frenchman to win the Lance Todd Trophy as he helped Catalans Dragons win the Challenge Cup at Wembley.

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Features Andrew Johns

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