RL Today: Ralph Rimmer urged to quit & Wellens ready for St Helens job
Ralph Rimmer urged to quit
RFL chief Ralph Rimmer has apologised for comments made over the Fiji international team at the recent annual awards night at Headingley. (Daily Star)
Rimmer will leave his role in December, but has had pressure to quit following his controversial remarks.
Paul Wellens ready for St Helens job
St Helens look set to put their faith in Paul Wellens and appoint him the new head coach of the club. (The Sportsman)
Kristian Woolf will return to Australia as assistant coach of the Dolphins for their inaugural season in the NRL under boss Wayne Bennett.
Wellens, 42, is part of England’s staff for the World Cup and has been assistant to Woolf during Saints’ success.
Johnathan Ford puts hand up for Cook Islands
Featherstone half-back Johnathan Ford has put his hand up to represent Cook Islands at this year’s World Cup. (RLWC2021)
Ford, 33, told the official RLWC website: “We’re based in Middlesborough and we’re playing a game out there against Tonga.
“Hopefully I’m involved. It will be good to get some fans and some people around that I know too, like my kids and my wife to come and watch and support me.”
Why Theo Fages won’t feature at World Cup
France head coach Laurent Frayssinous has explained why Theo Fages hasn’t been selected in his 24-man squad for the World Cup. (Examiner Live)
Frayssinous told Yorkshire Live: “We had a long chat with Theo about what will be the best for the French team but also what would be the best for him and what he needs at the moment is to rest.
“There’s no point bringing Theo to the World Cup. He’d be tired like he is at the moment, so that’s why Theo and I made that decision.”
More England blows
Harry Sunderland trophy winner Jonny Lomax and fellow St Helens star Mark Percival have been ruled out of the England squad for the World Cup.
Head coach Shaun Wane is expected to announce his 24-man squad later today (Friday).
Dewsbury sign Castleford half-back
Dewsbury Rams have announced the signing of half-back George Collins for the 2023 season from Castleford Tigers.
Although Collins didn’t make a competitive appearance for the Tigers, he did feature for both Whitehaven and Midlands Hurricanes in 2022.
Birthdays
England and Wigan back-rower John Bateman turns 29 today (September 30).
Also celebrating; Ex-forward Jamie Thackray (43), utility Gary Wheeler (33) and outside-back Nick Rawsthorne (27).
Podcast: Pat Richards reflects on career, representing Ireland and life after league
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