RL Today: Leeds set sights on Castleford winger & Lachlan Coote on Smith’s departure
Leeds in discussions with Castleford winger
Rohan Smith’s Leeds Rhinos have held talks with Castleford Tigers winger Derrell Olpherts about a potential move for 2023. (Examiner Live)
The 30-year-old remains off-contract beyond the current season.
Lachlan Coote on Smith’s departure
Hull KR full-back Lachlan Coote has reacted to the departure of head coach Tony Smith.
🗣️"He's been great for the club"
Hull KR full back Lachlan Coote says that Tony Smith has left the club in a better place after being relieved of his duties as head coach earlier today.
✍️Full story: https://t.co/nr1ho1Zc2l pic.twitter.com/MBqh4nBvvv
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) July 4, 2022
Castleford to be without skipper for Magic Weekend
Castleford Tigers will be without captain Paul McShane for their clash against Leeds at Newcastle’s Magic Weekend.
The hooker received a one-match ban for a Grade B Dangerous Throw. Team-mate Nathan Massey also received a one-match suspension.
Controversy in amateur game
Ashton Bears North West Men’s team were knocked out of the cup over the weekend in the semi-finals.
However, the club don’t appear to be happy with the players they faced at Wigan St Judes. The opposition reportedly played seven first-team players from their NCL side to feature in the cup eight divisions below.
Our 2nd team battled hard but fell to a 20-4 defeat against St.Jude’s who had the luxury of naming a “mixed” squad today. Our try came from Max Ruddock.
Not the day we wanted but we’ll bounce back. Thank you to everyone who came out to support us yet again 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
— Ashton Bears ARLFC (@AshtonBears) July 2, 2022
Tonga boss backs end-of-season international calendar
Tonga head coach Kristian Woolf backs the idea of an end-of-season international calendar.
Woolf told Love Rugby League: “I really like the sound of what Andrew Abdo [NRL CEO] said in terms of wanting to make a window at the end of the year that’s dedicated to international footy.
“If we’re going to grow our sport, international footy is a big part of that.”
Hull still searching for Josh Reynolds replacement
Chairman Adam Pearson says that Hull are still looking to bring in an immediate replacement for the departed Josh Reynolds. (Hull Daily Mail)
Brett Hodgson recently confirmed his interest in Newcastle Knights youngster Tex Hoy.
Birthdays
Former Newcastle Knights, Manly Sea Eagles, London Broncos and Huddersfield forward Chris Bailey turns 40 today (July 5).
Also celebrating; 12-time Scotland international Lee Paterson (41), ex-dual international Chris Bridge (38), Warrington forward Matt Davis (26) and Wire youngster Ellis Longstaff (20).
Trivia
Brandon Moore made his 150th Halifax appearance over the weekend.
1⃣5⃣0⃣ NOT OUT in Fax colours for our glorious leader in yesterdays win at @DewsburyRams 🔵⚪️🐾
Thrown into the breach at the last second due to injuries and still put in a characteristically strong performance 💪
Take a bow @brandon_moore7 👏#ChooseFax #MoreThanAGame pic.twitter.com/9sKKFwANra
— Halifax Panthers 🐾 (@HalifaxPanthers) July 4, 2022
