RL Today: Tonga star signs new NRL deal & Lam on Ferguson release

Drew Darbyshire 08 Dec 2022 7:30 AM

Lam on Ferguson release

Leigh coach Adrian Lam has revealed the club have released Blake Ferguson on compassionate grounds so he can return home to Australia. (Leigh Journal)

The former Australia test winger joined the Leopards midway through last season, scoring 21 tries in 16 games to help the club clinch promotion to Super League.

Ferguson signed a new two-year deal with Leigh back in July, but has now been released so he can be with his family in his Australian homeland.

Lam told Leigh Journal: “There has been a health issue in the family and Blake feels he wants to be there. So, we have released him on compassionate grounds. He really wanted to be there with his family. It was important for him and also to his indigenous culture. As a club we supported him in that.”

Tonga powerhouse signs new NRL deal

Siosifa Talakai has penned a new contract that will see him remain with NRL club Cronulla Sharks for at least the next four seasons.

The 25-year-old centre has scored 14 tries in 63 NRL appearances, with 52 games for the Sharks.

Talakai has won two international caps for Tonga and has played twice for New South Wales in State of Origin.

Lineham future

Wakefield coach Mark Applegarth insists winger Tom Lineham still has a future at the club despite ending last season out on loan at Featherstone. (Yorkshire Live)

The 31-year-old has been given the number five shirt for 2023, with Applegarth saying he has been a “standout” for Trinity in pre-season.

Applegarth told Yorkshire Live: “He’s definitely got a shot at getting one of those spots on the wing, for sure.”

To’o ties the knot

After starring for Samoa, New South Wales and Penrith in 2022, Brian To’o topped his incredible year off by marrying his partner Moesha Crichton-Ropati!

Congratulations Mr and Mrs To'o 💍💝#pantherpride 🐾 pic.twitter.com/2DvbohwXwD

— Penrith Panthers 🏆🏆 (@PenrithPanthers) December 8, 2022

Hull KR’s Mr Versatile

Will Dagger says he is open to playing pretty much anywhere for Hull KR in 2023. (Hull Live)

The 23-year-old has played full-back, wing or half-back for the Robins. He told Hull Live: “Willie Peters has tossed up a few positions that I could play in 2023, so let’s see what happens. I’ll play wherever, even in the front row. I just want to do the best job I can for this team.”

Jeffries to coach Indigenous All Stars again

Former Wakefield and Bradford favourite Ben Jeffries will coach the women’s Indigenous All Stars team again in 2023.

The 42-year-old has enjoyed an impressive coaching journey in the last 12 months. He coached the All Stars, Queensland Under-19s Girls and the Papua New Guinea Orchids at the World Cup.

He has been named the inaugural coach of the Cowboys in the NRLW.

Birthdays

Former Ireland captain Bob Beswick turns 38 today (December 8).

Also celebrating; former Castleford coach Graham Steadman (61), ex-Hull KR prop Joel Clinton (41), former Ireland international Simon Finnigan (41), Featherstone legend Ian Hardman (37), ex-Samoa international Sam Tagataese (36), Sheffield’s new recruit Jesse Sene-Lefao (33), Wales’ all-time appearance holder Rhys Williams (33) and Whitehaven’s new signing Jamie Doran (28).