RL Today: Leuluai to help Kiwis, NRL star retires & Jacques on potential return

Drew Darbyshire 05 Sep 2022 7:00 AM

Jacques O’Neill on potential return

Love Island star Jacques O’Neill was at Headingley on Saturday to watch his former club Castleford against Leeds. (Sky Sports)

When asked by Sky Sports reporter Jenna Brooks whether we would see him back on a rugby pitch in 2023, he replied with a smile on his face: “2023? We don’t know yet. Maybe we will, maybe not. I can’t say too much on that.”

Leuluai to help Kiwis

Wigan legend Tommy Leuluai will join Michael Maguire’s New Zealand coaching staff for this autumn’s World Cup. (RLWC2021)

The 37-year-old will hang up his boots after making the final appearance of his career when the Kiwis face Leeds in a World Cup warm-up match at Headingley on October 8.

KIWIS: How New Zealand could line-up at the World Cup

NRL star hangs up his boots

Wests Tigers centre James Roberts has retired from rugby league following 12 seasons in the NRL.

The 29-year-old has scored 78 tries in 166 appearances for the Rabbitohs, Panthers, Titans, Broncos and Tigers. He played three games for New South Wales in Origin as well as three games for the Indigenous All Stars.

Samoa’s time to shine

Former Samoa international Joseph Paulo has backed the Pacific island to go far in this year’s World Cup. (RLWC2021)

The retiring Toulouse forward, who also represented the USA at the 2013 World Cup, told RLWC2021: “Being biased, I’d love to see Tonga and Samoa in the final. I wish (Samoa) all the best this year. They’ve got the team, they’ve got the personnel and they’ve got the energy to match it with Tonga and the top three.”

TOA SAMOA: How Samoa could line-up at the World Cup

Greek pride

Greece coach Steve Georgallis says his side know they are the underdogs ahead of their first World Cup – but they will be bringing a huge amount of pride and passion to the tournament. (Greek City Times)

The former Wakefield and Warrington player told the Ouzo Talk Podcast: “I’m mostly doing it for my dad. He came to this country with nothing and has given us everything you know – I actually get quite emotional talking about it.”

KNIGHTS: How Greece could line-up at the World Cup

2022 Super League Dream Team

The 2022 Super League Dream Team was announced at a launch event at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford on Sunday morning.

Champions St Helens have four representatives named, including James Roby who is in the Dream Team for a magnificent seventh time.

Birthdays

Former Great Britain and England international Gareth Hock turns 39 today (September 5).

Also celebrating; ex-Wales international Christiaan Roets (42), former England international Rob Parker (41), Keighley’s retiring half-back Scott Murrell (37), North Queensland Cowboys star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (21) and Newcastle Knights youngster Bailey Hodgson (20).