RL Today: Paulo plays on, Fielden returns, Ipape’s PNG praise & Jammer’s gesture

Drew Darbyshire 20 Oct 2022 7:00 AM

Joseph Paulo Toulouse Olympique SWpix — Photo: Manuel Blondeau/SWpix

Paulo plays on

Former Samoa and USA international Joseph Paulo will play part-time with Pia in the French Elite 1 Championship next season.

The 34-year-old retired from professional rugby league following Toulouse’s relegation from Super League at the end of last season.

Paulo made 248 career appearances in the professional game for Samoa, USA, Penrith, Parramatta, Cronulla, St Helens and Toulouse.

Great to see former @Saints1890 and @TOXIII star Joe Paulo continuing to spend time here in France.
Just signed on for @FFRXIII Elite One newbies Pia.
❤️💛🇫🇷🏉 pic.twitter.com/C2GiXjPgzx

— Toulouse-Catalan Media 🇫🇷🏉 (@catalanmedia) October 19, 2022

Fielden returns

Former Great Britain and England international Stuart Fielden has returned to rugby league! He has become the head coach of Beverley, who play in Division Two of the National Conference League.

🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷
We are very pleased to announce our new Head Coach for the 2023 season, Bradford, Wigan & Great Britain legend Stuart Fielden will be taking the reigns of the first team, this is a Massive boost for the club ahead of our rebuilding process.

🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷 pic.twitter.com/UWwiNQxo1H

— Beverley ARLFC (@BeverleyARLFC) October 18, 2022

Vossy on Super League

Legendary Australian commentator Andrew Voss says he would love to commentate on Super League one day. (Yorkshire Live)

He told Yorkshire Live: “I feel like I’ve done everything I could have wished to and if I got an invite to call the Super League for any period of time, then I would definitely consider it, there have been little feelers previously. I love the Super League and the clubs, the tradition and history.”

Jammer’s gesture to Thatto Heath

St Helens legend James Graham has finally received his Golden Cap, confirming his membership of a group of elite stars to have made more than 50 international appearances.

The Great Britain and England icon immediately handed it over to Thatto Heath Crusaders, where it all began for him as a youngster.

Raw emotions from Graham in the video below…

James Graham is the 4th to play over 50 games for his country, gaining his Golden Cap. He has donated it to his junior club. Fighting his emotions, James hopes that seeing his cap will inspire others to take up the sport and be the best they can like he did @ThattoRugby pic.twitter.com/iKR1bAri1e

— David Yates (@DaveYatesVC) October 19, 2022

Mansour open to Super League offers

South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Josh Mansour has admitted he would be open to a move to Super League from the NRL.

The 32-year-old is currently in England on international duty with Lebanon for the World Cup, and told Love Rugby League he is using the opportunity to explore opportunities.

“I’m still off-contract, so definitely (I’d be open to a move),” Mansour said.

“That’s why I love this opportunity as well. I can get used to the area and get used to the people. So far, so good.

“I’m really enjoying the culture here. I’ve just got to convince the misses now!”

Ipape’s praise for PNG

Papua New Guinea hooker Edwin Ipape was filled with pride after they just fell short to Tonga 24-18 in St Helens on Tuesday.

The Leigh star said: “It’s been our thing in this camp, the Kumuls on the rise. We wanted to show that we can compete on this level and we’re not just here to make numbers. Hopefully we can make it to the finals. But that’s the theme; Kumuls on the rise.”

Birthdays

Former Australia international twins Kerrod Walters and Kevin Walters turn 55 today (October 20).

Also celebrating; Australia legend Laurie Daley (53), ex-Great Britain international Andy Lynch (43), Brisbane Broncos stalwart Corey Oates (28), former Scotland international Lewis Tierney (28), Whitehaven new recruit Josh Eaves (25), Hull forward Jordan Lane (25) and Toulouse centre Hugo Pezet (22).