RL Today: Jason Taumalolo hits out on World Cup ban & Josh Reynolds handed NRL contract

Josh McAllister 26 Sep 2022 7:00 AM

Jason Taumalolo hits out on World Cup ban

Tonga international Jason Taumalolo released a statement via his management in Australia following his three-match suspension for his high shot against the Parramatta Eels in the NRL.

“I have truly missed playing for Tonga and I am concerned that this suspension will interrupt my World Cup campaign,” Taumalolo said.

“This could be my last World Cup for Tonga and I don’t want to let my team-mates nor our fans down. I don’t believe I should miss out on Test matches for Tonga because of something I did playing for the Cowboys.

“I like how the (English) Premier League soccer works, where you are penalised for any indiscretion in that competition, not across other competitions.

“My suspension should count towards NRL games for the Cowboys, not penalising me for international matches at the World Cup.”

Josh Reynolds handed NRL contract

Josh Reynolds has been handed a 12-week train-and-trial contract with former club Canterbury Bulldogs. (Sydney Morning Herald)

The deal is reportedly worth $1000-a-week according to the Sydney Morning Herald and is his first since leaving Hull mid-way through the 2022 Super League season.

Andrew Dixon set for Paul Rowley reunion

Salford have their sights set on Toulouse forward Andrew Dixon for the 2023 Super League campaign. (Examiner Live)

The 32-year-old has previously played under Red Devils boss Paul Rowley twice in his career at both Leigh and Toronto.

Leeds win Academy Grand Final

Leeds Rhinos Academy secured a dramatic 26-22 victory over St Helens in the Grand Final.

A late try for Saints saw them go into the final 60 seconds with a one-point lead at 22-21. However, 18-year-old Jack Sinfield levelled the scores in the dying seconds with a drop-goal. The Rhinos went on to win it in extra time thanks to a try from Kyden Frater.

Your 2022 Academy Grand Final Winners…. #MOT #ALAW pic.twitter.com/0aQjhQHm8N

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) September 25, 2022

St Helens set sights on World Club Challenge

St Helens chief executive Mike Rush has declared his interest in a World Club Challenge fixture in 2023. (Examiner Live)

His side made history on Saturday by becoming the first-ever side to win four Super League Grand Finals in a row following their 24-12 victory over Leeds at Old Trafford.

Parramatta Eels and Penrith Panthers will meet next weekend in the NRL Grand Final.

Rush told Examiner Live: “We love it, why not? This group will want to challenge themselves. I suppose the issue you’re always going to have is the logistics.”

Championship & League 1 Grand Finals confirmed

Leigh Centurions will host Batley Bulldogs next Sunday, October 2, in the Championship Grand Final at the Leigh Sports Village. The game will kick-off at 6pm, live on Premier Sports.

Meanwhile, Swinton will face Doncaster in the League 1 play-off final next Sunday.

Birthdays

Super League and Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow turns 40 today (September 26).

Also celebrating; NRL cult hero and current Rochdale Hornets forward Fuifui Moimoi (43), former international player and current coach Chris Thorman (42), ex-international winger Danny Williams (36), PNG international Kyle Laybutt (27) and centre Jake Spedding (26).

PODCAST: Adam Cuthbertson on time at Leeds, Rhinos’ resurgence & Wayne Bennett’s influence