RL Today: Dwyer to Hull, Gildart scores FIVE & World Cup ticket sales

Drew Darbyshire
Brad Dwyer Leeds Rhinos Super League SWpix

Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

Dwyer to Hull

Leeds hooker Brad Dwyer is close to joining Hull for next season. (Leeds Live)

The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and has not been offered a new deal by the Rhinos. He is likely to be a Hull player in 2023, according to Leeds Live.

Gildart scores FIVE

England World Cup hopeful Oliver Gildart scored five tries on his debut for the North Sydney Bears in the New South Wales Cup. The Bears are the feeder club for NRL side Sydney Roosters.

The former Wigan centre recently joined the Roosters on loan for the rest of the NRL season from Wests Tigers. Gildart will be hoping to force his way into Shaun Wane’s starting England line-up at the World Cup.

World Cup expect record ticket sales

Rugby League World Cup organisers are expecting record-breaking ticket sales for this year’s tournament, with more than 250,000 already sold. (BBC)

RLWC2021 director of revenue, Mick Hogan, told the BBC: “We are delighted to hit such a significant milestone for ticket sales at this stage. We are incredibly excited that this year’s World Cup is going to be the best attended in the long history of our sport.”

SAMOA: Junior Paulo the next NRL star to commit to Samoa for World Cup

“French teams are needed in Super League”

Speaking after Warrington’s win over Toulouse on Thursday, Catalans Dragons coach Steve McNamara and Leeds assistant Jamie Jones-Buchanan discussed the topic of having French clubs in the Super League and why it’s a good thing for the sport. (Sky Sports)

McNamara said: “I am very passionate about the investment that has been made in France by the French clubs and the potential of funding that could come from the Government. The expansion for growth is huge.”

Demanding fixture schedule “too tough”

Wakefield coach Willie Poching believes the gruelling schedule in Super League is too much, with another Bank Holiday double-header coming up. (The Yorkshire Post)

Poching told The Yorkshire Post: “There are five games in a short period of time and it takes its toll. I just hope it doesn’t affect England come the World Cup.”

Marshall joins the Love Rugby League Podcast

Wigan winger Liam Marshall joined host George Riley for this week’s Love Rugby League Podcast.

Marshall discussed his unique journey to first-team rugby league during this week’s Big Interview.

The 26-year-old almost turned his back on the sport to go into accountancy as a youngster before making his mark at the Warriors.

He also talks through his World Cup hopes with England; and the current season at Wigan under Matt Peet in his debut year in charge.

 

Birthdays

New Zealand and Cook Islands international Jordan Rapana turns 33 today (August 15).

Also celebrating; ex-London Broncos forward Shane Rodney (39), former Wakefield’s Samoan hooker Albert Talipeau (41) and Gold Coast Titans forward Beau Fermor (24).

Trivia

Castleford centre Mahe Fonua made his 200th career appearance in their 18-8 win over Catalans on Friday (25 for Castleford, 96 for Hull, 21 for Wests Tigers, 51 for Melbourne Storm, 1 for Combined Nations All Stars and 6 for Tonga).

PODCAST: Liam Marshall on almost giving up on rugby league, England hopes & Peet’s Wigan transformation

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