RL Today: Hodgson praise for Shaul & Walker could return on Sunday
Jamie Shaul is back in the Hull squad
Brett Hodgson praises Jamie Shaul attitude
Hull FC Head Coach Brett Hodgson has praised the attitude of full-back Jamie Shaul in an interview with Hull Daily Mail.
Hodgson told Hull Daily Mail: “He has put the team first, which is brilliant and what is asked of everyone at the club and he’s putting himself in a position to play. I’m proud of what he’s done there.”
Jack Walker may make Leeds return against Featherstone
Leeds full-back Jack Walker could be in line to make his comeback for the club during Sunday’s friendly against Featherstone.
Walker has not played for almost two years after suffering a foot injury, and a number of complications after that. Though Agar told Yorkshire Evening Post he may have to wait a week until the Bradford match.
Rhinos Head Coach Richard Agar told Yorkshire Evening Post: “I am pushing for Jack to play, but it may be the week after.
“We will wait until later in the week [to decide].”
Rochdale pay tribute to Mike Ratu
Meanwhile, League One club Rochdale have been paying tribute to former player Mike Ratu. He passed away at the age of 78 in December.
Ratu signed for the Hornets in 1965. From there, he ended up having a long association with both the team, and the town.
The club said via their website: “Everybody connected with Rochdale Hornets sends their thoughts to those family members and Mike’s many friends at this sad time. A true gentleman, Mike Ratu epitomised the spirit, heritage and heart of the club, and he will be sadly missed by all.”
World Cup in France “major boost”
RFL Chief Executive Ralph Rimmer has said the news that the 2025 World Cup will be held in France is a “major boost” for the game in Europe.
He said via Love Rugby League:“With rugby league in France enjoying a golden year in 2021, their wheelchair team ranked number one in the world; and Toulouse Olympique joining the Catalans Dragons in the forthcoming Betfred Super League season; this is another major boost to rugby league in Europe and the northern hemisphere.”
Matt Parcell outlines return date
Hull KR hooker Matt Parcell is targeting a return to action for their pre-season friendly against Huddersfield, he told Hull Daily Mail.
He told the Hull Daily Mail: “The goal is to play against Huddersfield. That’s just under three weeks so the goal will be to play in some of that game and see how we go.”
Bradford to give young half-back a chance amid Jordan Lilley injury
Bradford could give young half-back Billy Jowitt a chance to impress over the next few weeks, according to Telegraph and Argus.
Vice-captain Jordan Lilley picked up an injury in pre-season, and could miss the first five games of the season.
Bulls Head Coach John Kear told Telegraph and Argus: “He seemed more relaxed. He wasn’t rushing about here, there harum-scarum and trying to do the Hollywood play.
“He was happy just to play his part within the team. That was heartening to me.”
Birthdays
Former Great Britain, England and St Helens prop Maurie Fa’asavalu turns 42 today.
Also celebrating; France international Anthony Marion (28), Papua New Guinea international Luke Page (31), former Gold Coast hooker Matt Srama (31) and former USA international Ryan McGoldrick (41).
Trivia
France will host the World Cup for the first time since 1972 in three years’ time. That tournament was also the last time Great Britain won the World Cup.
Read More: Jake Webster granted testimonial by the RFL
