RL Today: England were overhyped for World Cup semi-final & Bradford linked with PNG duo

Josh McAllister 16 Nov 2022 7:00 AM

England were overhyped for World Cup semi-final

Jon Wilkin believes England were overhyped ahead for their World Cup semi-final against Samoa at the Emirates Stadium. (Sky Sports)

Shaun Wane’s side were knocked out of the tournament, with Stephen Crichton kicking the vital golden-point winner for a 27-26 scoreline.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Wilkin told Jenna Brooks: “They were rubbish. They made unforced errors and uncharacteristic errors. They were flustered. I thought they were overhyped before the game.

“They’d had Ant Middleton in the camp the night before. For me, it was overstimulated, overhyped and it translated into a sloppy performance.”

Bradford linked with PNG duo

Bradford Bulls have set their sights on Papua New Guinea internationals Keven Appo and Rodrick Tai. (Examiner Live)

The pair represented the Kumuls at the recent World Cup with fine performance that saw the side reach the quarter-finals.

Back-rower Appo, 23, and winger Tai, also 23, play domestically for the PNG Hunters.

Ryley Jacks finds new club

Ryley Jacks has returned to Brisbane Tigers in Australia following his release from Featherstone Rovers.

Speaking of his return to the club, the Eastern Suburbs Tigers junior said “I’m very grateful that Brian Torpy (CEO) and the club let me go over to the UK and play with Featherstone.

“I always wanted to go play in England. It was a really enjoyable experience on and off the field with my young family.”

Women’s semi-final TV figures

BBC’s Tanya Arnold has revealed more staggering figures for the Women’s World Cup.

The sports reporter tweeted: “So another peak of 1.2m viewers for the England New Zealand semi-final last night…the lionesses may not have fulfilled their dream of winning this World Cup, but they’ve done the women’s game proud and taken it new heights. Let’s hope the game builds on what they’ve done.”

So another peak of 1.2m viewers for the England New Zealand semi-final last night…the lionesses may not have fulfilled their dream of winning this World Cup, but they’ve done the women’s game proud and taken it new heights. Let’s hope the game builds on what they’ve done.

— Tanya Arnold (@tanyaarnold) November 15, 2022

John Bateman’s England message

John Bateman took to social media for the first time since England’s heartbreaking 27-26 loss to Samoa in the World Cup semi-final.

He wrote: “Didn’t finish the way we wanted it to go but what a six and so weeks it was with the best group of blokes I could ask for.

“Thank you to the fans who supported us along the way. We greatly appreciate it. Time to enjoy my time off and enjoy so well earned family time.”

Didn’t finish the way we wanted it to go but what a 6 and so weeks it was with the best group of blokes I could ask for.

Thank you to the fans who supported us along the way. We greatly appreciate it. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Time to enjoy my time off and enjoy so well earned family time ❤️

— John Bateman (@johnbateman1) November 15, 2022

Jack Welsby injury

St Helens are confident Jack Welsby will quickly overcome a hand injury sustained in the semi-final defeat against Samoa. (St Helens Star)

The club’s medical staff examined Welsby’s hand on Tuesday, according to the St Helens Star.

Birthdays

Castleford hooker, England international and 2020 Man of Steel winner Paul McShane turns 33 today (November 16).

Also celebrating; Former international forward Anthony Laffranchi (42), Warrington forward Joe Philbin (28) and Leeds hooker Corey Johnson (22).

Trivia

Raecene McGregor is the first New Zealander to be awarded the Women’s Golden Boot. It was a double for New Zealand, with full-back Joseph Manu winning the Men’s Golden Boot.

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