RL Today: Proctor shines in first Wakefield game & Leeds eye Saints star

Proctor shines in first Wakefield game

Wakefield coach Mark Applegarth was impressed by what he saw from new signing Kevin Proctor in his first outing in a Trinity shirt. (The Yorkshire Post)

The former New Zealand international caught the eye in Reece Lyne’s testimonial, helping Wakefield to a 28-16 win over Halifax.

Applegarth told TYP: “It was exactly what we were hoping we’d get when we signed him. He was great before the game in the dressing room as part of that senior group and I think everybody saw what he’s going to be about on the field. He’s a big aggressive thing who likes mixing it. His talk and leadership is outstanding.”

Leeds keen on Saints star

Leeds are set to pull off a major coup in signing England and St Helens star Amy Hardcastle (Leeds Live)

The 33-year-old is regarded as one of the best players England has ever produced in the women’s game. Leeds, the current champions of the Women’s Super League, are on the verge of securing Hardcastle’s services, according to Leeds Live.

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Gleeson leaves England RU

Former Great Britain rugby league international Martin Gleeson has left his role as England rugby union’s attack coach.

The two-time Super League Grand Final winner linked up with England RU in 2021 after an impressive spell coaching Wasps.

Gleeson said: “It’s been a pleasure to represent my country again and to work with this group of players. I wish them all the best this coming year.”

The 42-year-old moved into coaching with Salford in 2014 before joining Wasps in 2019.

Brazilian winger joins Whitehaven

Championship club Whitehaven have brought in Brazil international Jorge Cabral on a one-month trial.

Cabral is a winger with experience in league and union. He has represented his Brazilian heritage on the international stage.

St Helens academy product Lewis Fairhurst is another player who is on trial at Whitehaven. He has been playing in the National Conference League for Thatto Heath Crusaders.

HAVEN: Whitehaven confirm squad numbers ahead of 2023 Championship season

More to come from French

Wigan star Bevan French says he was nowhere near his fittest in 2022 and believes he can offer a lot more to his side this year. (Wigan Today)

The 27-year-old scored 31 tries in 24 games last season, earning a place in the Super League Dream Team. But he told Wigan Today there is more to come from him: “I feel like I wasn’t fully fit last year due to missing that chunk of pre-season so hopefully I’m a lot fitter this year and have a lot more involvement.”

Minchella’s minor injury

Hull KR forward Elliot Minchella has suffered a minor ankle injury in pre-season training.

The 26-year-old does not require surgery though and is expected to return in the middle of February.

There’s a chance he might not miss any games, with the Robins kicking off their campaign against Wigan on February 18.

Birthdays

Former Great Britain and Wigan winger Henderson Gill turns 62 today (January 16).

Also celebrating; ex-Rochdale and Wigan prop Neil Cowie (56), former Australia and Tonga winger John Hopoate (49), ex-Widnes chief executive Phil Finney (43), Samoa superstar Jarome Luai (26), Australia World Cup winner Cameron Murray (25) and Wakefield prop Jai Whitbread (25).

Trivia

The Brazil men’s rugby league team are currently 22nd in the International Rugby League world rankings. Wigan forward Ramon Silva is the only Brazilian-born player currently playing in Super League.

READ NEXT: Pre-season round-up: Henderson’s strong start & Wakefield win for Lyne