RL Today: Kai Pearce-Paul on his NRL move & Percival to miss his own testimonial 

Kai Pearce-Paul on his NRL move

Kai Pearce-Paul has discussed his move to the NRL as he enters his final season in Super League with Wigan. (Wigan Today)

The England international will link up with Newcastle Knights ahead of the 2024 campaign, and believes a weight has been lifted off his shoulders with the move finally confirmed.

Tonga star commits to NRL club

Tonga international Siliva Havili has extended his stay with South Sydney Rabbitohs until the end of the 2025 NRL season with a new contract.

Havili, 29, has played 127 NRL matches so far in his career, including 23 games for South Sydney. He has made 15 appearances for Tonga on the international stage, and one for New Zealand. 

Percival to miss his own testimonial

Mark Percival has been ruled out of is own testimonial fixture against Widnes this Friday at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

The 28-year-old centre has been working on his recovery following a knee injury sustained last season, and is expected to travel to Australia next month for the World Club Challenge.

Toulouse appoint captain for 2023

Toulouse have appointed 37-year-old prop forward Harrison Hansen captain for the 2023 Championship season.

Dominique Peyroux and Mathieu Jussaume have been appointed vice-captains.

Sylvain Houles confirmed just a 19-man squad earlier this week for the 2023 campaign, with the club looking to add “at least” one more recruit to the forward pack.

Sculthorpe backing Wellens to succeed at Saints

Paul Sculthorpe is backing his good friend Paul Wellens to succeed at St Helens in his first year in charge of the club. (St Helens Star)

Returning to his column in the St Helens Star, he wrote: “I promise you as always, no sitting on the fence even if my very good mate is head coach at Saints. Lol!

“I say that with nothing but 110% confidence in Wello to continue the reign of success that he’s helped create over the last four years from the co-driver’s seat.

“Paul took over from Kristian Woolf at the end of another successful season, and for me there was no other choice to be made.”

More support for Shaun Wane

Jack Welsby has become the latest international to show his support towards Shaun Wane amid the current review as his status as England boss. (Yorkshire Live)

The 21-year-old St Helens utility told Yorkshire Live: “I’d definitely like Shaun to lead us into the next World Cup in France in 2025.

“What he’s done with Wigan and the trophies he’s won there shows how good he is as a coach. In my opinion, he’s one of the best that Super League has ever seen.”

Birthdays

Former Canterbury Bulldogs, St Helens, Salford, New Zealand and Samoa centre Willie Talau turns 47 today (January 25).

Also celebrating; Full-back Misi Taulapapa (41), ex-hooker Stuart Howarth (33), and Wigan half-back Harry Smith (23).