RL Today: Australia squad numbers, WCC latest & Kiwi star on Super League

Drew Darbyshire 06 Oct 2022 7:00 AM

Kristian Woolf and James Roby St Helens WCC SWpix — Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

WCC latest

St Helens chief executive Mike Rush has provided an update on plans for the 2023 World Club Challenge (WCC) against Penrith Panthers. (Yorkshire Live)

Speaking about the WCC concept, Rush told Yorkshire Live: “For me, we really need it. Not just because it’s our turn this time, just for the good of the game.”

Rugby league recommences in Ukraine

Rugby league has returned to Ukraine for the first time since the Russian invasion of the country, Lviv Tigers winning the 9s Cup of Ukraine.

Six clubs from Lviv, Khmelnytskyi, Ivano-Franckivsk, Rivne, Ushgorod and Donestsk region took part, the Tigers defeating Tverdy Znik 20-12 in the final.

St Helens to embrace Tonga

Kristian Woolf has urged St Helens to support Tonga and embrace the squad for the World Cup. (St Helens Star)

He told St Helens Star: “There’s a great correlation between a working class town like St Helens and a working class country like Tonga. There’s a great connection there and I would encourage people to come down and support Tonga.”

Kiwi star on Super League

New Zealand international Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad says he would be open to playing in Super League later down the track. (BBC Sport West Yorkshire)

He told BBC Sport West Yorkshire: “There could be a time when I might be interested to come over. I was really interested in coming over here not too long ago so we might have to wait and see.”

Australia squad numbers

Australia have confirmed their squad numbers for the World Cup, with half-back Daly Cherry-Evans set to wear the number two shirt. (WAtoday)

Kangaroos assistant Michael Hagan devised a system that acknowledged players who had worn the green and gold jersey longest, meaning centre Latrell Mitchell will wear eight and prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard will wear six, according to WAtoday.

Saints legends land major gigs

Yesterday, St Helens legends Paul Wellens and Sean Long were appointed to their first-ever head coaching jobs.

Wellens has signed a two-year deal with hometown club Saints, with the Super League champions having a further year in their favour.

Long has penned a deal with Championship promotion chasers Featherstone for the 2023 campaign.

Birthdays

Former Wigan and London Broncos coach John Monie turns 76 today (October 6).

Also celebrating; former Fiji star Akuila Uate (35), ex-Hull forward Mike Burnett (34), Cornwall forward Paul Bolger (27) and Barrow forward Ellis Gillam (25).