RL Today: Garreth Carvell to lead new union & Ash Handley prioritising Leeds
Garreth Carvell to lead new Players’ Union
Former Great Britain prop Garreth Carvell will be the head of a new-look Rugby League Players’ Association (Yorkshire Live).
Carvell told Yorkshire Live: “Everyone has been trying to get a union going since 1996 and we made massive strides towards it – then the funding got pulled.”
Castleford continuing recruitment for Women’s team
Castleford Tigers’ Women team have announced the signings of Gabrielle Barker-Jones and Bryony Jackson ahead of the new season from Methley Warriors. (Club Website).
They join Courtney Evans, Verity Randall and Ellie Sykes who have signed from local rugby union side Sandal.
Ash Handley focusing on playing well for Leeds
Leeds winger Ash Handley has said he is focusing on playing well for the Rhinos, after his admission from Shaun Wane’s England train-on squad. (Yorkshire Evening Post).
Handley told Yorkshire Evening Post:“All you can do is consistently play well for your club, to get recognised to be able to do that.”
NRLW player banned for biting
St George winger Madison Bartlett will miss one game after biting Parramatta half-back Sereana Naitokatoka’s bicep during a match. (Canberra Times).
The NRL did push for a three-game ban, which would have ended Bartlett’s season.
Super League Team News
Round Five of the Super League season starts on Thursday, with Leeds welcoming Hull FC. Both teams have released their 21-man squads.
Leeds v Hull FC: Both teams missing key players for Headingley clash
NRL Team sheets
As well as the Super League, the NRL returns this weekend. There are eight matches across Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
All 16 clubs have released their team-sheets ahead of their matches.
NRL: Dom Young starts, Roberts returns & debuts for Hastings & Gildart
Birthdays
Former Great Britain forward Gary Price turns 61 today. (9th March).
Also celebrating; former Hull and Castleford full-back Richard Gay (53), former Wigan full-back Matt Bowen (40) and Catalans forward Mickael Goudemand (25).
Trivia
Penrith Panthers start their NRL title defence on Thursday against Manly. In their last defence of the NRL title, they were beaten 30-14 by eventual winners Canterbury in the Preliminary Finals.