RL Today: Lee Briers influence & coach makes Championship predictions

Harry Smith on working under Lee Briers

Wigan half-back Harry Smith has discussed an off-season shoulder operations and working with assistant coach Lee Briers. (Manchester Evening News)

Smith, who has recently had an operation on the shoulder, has been working closely with assistant coach and former Warrington half-back Lee Briers during pre-season. He made 25 Super League appearances in 2021. On working with Briers, Smith told Manchester Evening News: “It’s been really good actually, there’s a lot more detail in what he (Briers) wants in us as half-backs and as a team in attack and I’m sure it will continue.”

Coach makes Championship predictions

Sheffield Eagles chief Mark Aston has predicted a competitive 2022 campaign in the Championship. (Sheffield Star)

Aston will have his eye on the likes of Leigh, Featherstone, Halifax and York in 2022.

Big praise for Hull forward

Hull’s new powerhouse signing Kane Evans has been full of praise for his team-mate Jordan Lane. (Hull Daily Mail)

Evans told Hull Daily Mail: “Everyone is fit to be honest, special mention to Jordan Lane, he’s a machine and I can’t wait to play with him. There’s a lot of players I can’t wait to play with and see how they go on the field.”

New signing loving life at Hull KR

Hull KR’s new signing Frankie Halton is benefiting from being in a full-time environment. (The Yorkshire Post)

The Ireland back-rower joined the Robins in the off-season from part-time Championship club Featherstone. On being full-time, he told The Yorkshire Post: “It is just nice to have that one thing to focus on. I am loving it at Rovers. All your focus is on eating, training, sleeping, getting in shape and looking after yourself.”

Former Hull youngster on future plans

Former Hull youngster Reece Dean is currently enjoying life with Hull Rugby Union after making the code switch following the end of the 2021 campaign.

The half-back came through the academy at the Super League side, and went on to call Newcastle Thunder home for two years from 2020.

“At the minute, I’ve switched codes. I’m playing a bit of rugby union at a pretty decent level and I’m enjoying it,” he told Love Rugby League. 

“I’m playing and learning something new. Rugby league has gone a bit quiet to be honest. I’ve not heard much from anyone. I’ve never had an agent or anything, I do it all myself. But I’m happy in rugby union.”

Corey Hall on Wakefield move

Highly-rated teenage centre Corey Hall says coming back to Wakefield felt like it was where he belongs. (Yorkshire Evening Post)

The 19-year-old returned to Trinity from Leeds in the off-season. He told Yorkshire Evening Post: “I am loving it; I started off in the scholarship here and have always had fond memories of Wakefield, ever since I left. Coming back felt natural, like I was coming back to where I belong.”

Birthdays

England international and Catalans winger Tom Davies turns 25 today (January 11).

Also celebrating: former Queensland centre Josh Hannay (42), ex-France and Catalans full-back Clint Greenshields (40), former Australia international Glenn Stewart (38), Hull KR and Scotland star Kane Linnett (33) and Salford forward Ryan Lannon (26).

Trivia

Sheffield Eagles will begin their journey at their new home of Olympic Legacy Park against London Broncos on Good Friday (April 15).

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