RL Today: Kruise Leeming close to NRL deal & PNG star shines on debut

Kruise Leeming close to NRL deal

Leeds hooker Kruise Leeming is close to exiting the club for a move to Gold Coast Titans in the NRL. (Leeds Live)

Rhinos boss Rohan Smith has confirmed that Leeming, 27, requested a release from his contract earlier last week.

The move to the Titans could see him play under ex-St Helens boss and Grand Final winning coach Justin Holbrook.

Mellor on Radford exit

Yorkshire Post’s James O’Brien has sat down with Castleford vice-captain Alex Mellor to discuss the whirlwind start to the 2023 season.

The 28-year-old back-rower discusses Lee Radford’s exit, backing Andy Last for the permanent head coach role and the side’s start to the season.

Hull KR set for triple injury boost

It’s a timely boost for Hull KR as Willie Peters is hoping to welcome back three players ahead of their trip to Wakefield. (Hull Daily Mail)

Matt Parcell, Matty Storton and Kane Linnett are all back training with the Robins, reports Hull Daily Mail. 

Jordan Abdull, Frankie Halton and Dean Hadley will all miss Friday’s visit to Belle Vue after failing head injury assessments against Catalans. 

PNG star shines on debut

Papua New Guinea international Emmanuel Waine certainly made an impression on his London Broncos debut over the weekend.

The forward had only arrived in England last week, but was named to play against Newcastle Thunder on Saturday.

He was a try-scorer in the 36-6 victory, with the rest of his stats also showing an impressive start to his career in the capital.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – ROUND 6️⃣

What a way to introduce yourself to your new teammates with a ‘Player Of The Match’ performance on your debut!!

Emmanuel Waine 👏#WeAreLondon 🏉 pic.twitter.com/rbW1WTh0bB

— London Broncos (@LondonBroncosRL) March 21, 2023

Tickets selling fast for derby

Leigh owner Derek Beaumont insists ticket sales are going well ahead of their derby showdown with Wigan in a week’s time.

Local indie pop band The Lottery Winners will kick-start the evening with a pre-game performance at the Leigh Sports Village. 

It’s going absolutely bonkers never seen tickets going as quick and first time been in a queue! ⁦@LotteryWinners⁩ popularity adding to the appetite for the battle of the borough! Could this be a lockout? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/t95dzFfgqL

— Derek john beaumont (@derek_beaumont) March 21, 2023

RIP Kyle White

Tributes are pouring in for former player Kyle White, who sadly passed away at the age of 53. The ex-forward played for Widnes and Workington Town in England, as well as Canterbury, Wests and Illawarra. 

The club are saddened to learn of the death of former player Kyle White at the age of just 53.

We send our condolences to his brother, and to all of Kyle’s family and friends.

— Widnes Vikings (@WidnesRL) March 21, 2023

Birthdays

Ex-Super League utility and dual-international with England and Scotland, Graeme Horne turns 38 today (March 22).

Also celebrating: Ex-half-back Dom Speakman (29) and Huddersfield’s Oliver Wilson (24).

Trivia

Warrington’s George Williams and Wigan’s Harry Smith both lead the way with try-assists so far in 2023 with seven.

READ NEXT: Radisson agree George Hotel deal to all but end National Rugby League museum hopes