RL Today: French future, Olpherts move, Saints blow & Hoy on Hull switch

Josh McAllister 08 Aug 2022 7:00 AM

Bevan French Wigan Warriors SWpix — Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix

French future

Newcastle Knights are reportedly lining up an offer for Wigan superstar Bevan French to return to the NRL. (The Daily Telegraph)

The 26-year-old full-back or winger has scored 47 tries in 53 appearances for the Warriors. French is out of contract at the end of the season and Wigan have made no secret of their desire to keep him.

Olpherts move

Castleford winger Derrell Olpherts will be a Leeds player in 2023. (Leeds Live)

The 30-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Rhinos from next season, according to Leeds Live. Olpherts has scored 15 tries in 22 games for the Tigers this season.

Hoy on Hull move

Newcastle Knights utility back Tex Hoy says he is looking forward to taking himself out his comfort zone when he moves to the other side of the world next year. (The Canberra Times)

The 22-year-old will link up with Super League side Hull on a two-year deal from next season.

Hull told The Canberra Times: “I am going to get to play some footy over there every week. The other thing was just getting myself our of my comfort zone. I have grown up in Newcastle my whole life.”

St Helens injury blow

St Helens youngster Danny Hill suffered a shoulder injury in yesterday’s 20-12 win over Castleford (St Helens Star)

Woolf told St Helens Star: “Today young Dan Hill has copped a shoulder injury and that made it hard for him on a powerful winger opposing him – that is why we had to make that replacement late in the game.”

Holmes’ World Cup eligibility call

North Queensland Cowboys star Valentine Holmes has revealed that he is considering representing the Cook Islands at the upcoming World Cup. (International Rugby League)

The 27-year-old has won 13 caps for Australia, where he was born. Holmes is of Cook Islander heritage through his mum Lucy.

Walmsley on the new England kit

Walmsley has joined Sam Tomkins in playing down the controversy over England’s new-look kit, which has seen the traditional red and white ditched for a navy and white jersey that many have compared to a Scotland shirt.

“I’m half Scottish so I’ve won on both counts,” he joked. “I saw Sam Tomkins say nobody will care about colours if we are winning – so you could put a bin bag on us and as long as we are winning people will be happy.”

WORLD CUP: Odds stacked against England – Alex Walmsley fired up for World Cup fight

Birthdays

Former Australia, Queensland, Catalans and Leigh centre Willie Tonga turns 39 today (August 8).

Also celebrating; former Great Britain international Les Holliday (60), ex-Huddersfield forward Liam Fulton (38), former England international Lee Smith (36), Wests Tigers forward Tyrone Peachey (31) and Hull’s loanee full-back Jack Walker (23).