RL Today: Wakefield eye NRL prop & PNG back elevated to NRL squad

Drew Darbyshire 21 Nov 2022 7:00 AM

Renouf Atoni NRL prop Canterbury Bulldogs PA jpg

Wakefield eye NRL prop

Super League side Wakefield are working on a deal to secure the services of prop Renouf Atoni, who plays for Sydney Roosters in the NRL. (Yorkshire Live)

The 27-year-old joined the Roosters ahead of this season but has failed to make a first team appearance. Before that, he made 43 appearances for Canterbury Bulldogs between 2018-21.

The New Zealand-born prop, who is of Samoan and Tokelauan heritage, is wanted by Wakefield, according to Yorkshire Live.

Proud Latrell

Australia star Latrell Mitchell says their World Cup win is the highlight of his career to date. (Mirror)

He told the Mirror: “Winning this is definitely a special moment I will hold close to my heart for the rest of my life. It’s something I’ve always wanted to tick off as a young fella. I’ve done a few things in the game but this is number one.”

🇦🇺 Australia have retained the World Cup! 🏆#RugbyLeague | #RLWC2021 pic.twitter.com/MaJHfSyMkY

— Love Rugby League (@loverugbyleague) November 19, 2022

PNG back elevated to NRL squad

Papua New Guinea outside-back Robert Derby is one of five young North Queensland Cowboys players who have been elevated to their NRL squad for the 2023 season.

Derby, Jodeci Baker-Tiraha, Tom Duffy, Ragarive Wavik and Jai Hansen join the NRL squad on supplementary contracts, which allow them to train full-time, while sitting outside the club’s top 30.

Derby made his international debut for the Kumuls in their mid-season win over Fiji. He was set to feature in the World Cup until an ankle injury struck late in the season.

St Helens dual-reg with Championship club

Super League champions St Helens have agreed a dual-registration partnership with Championship club Swinton for the 2023 season

The partnership means Saints players will be able to gain experience playing Championship rugby. In return, Swinton players will have the opportunity to play for St Helens’ reserves.

Widnes link up with League 1 side

Championship club Widnes have linked up with League 1 club Rochdale on dual-registration terms for next season.

The Vikings will also face the Hornets in a pre-season friendly on Sunday, January 15.

Sinfield raises almost £2m

Kevin Sinfield completed his Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge on Saturday, finishing at Old Trafford during half-time of the Men’s World Cup final, raising almost £2million so far.

It smashes his original target of £777,777.

In late 2020, Sinfield raised £2.7million for MND charities after running seven marathons in seven days and a further sum in excess of £1m was generated in November 2021 after he completed a run of 101 miles in 24 hours.

Everyone needs a friend like Kev.

To make a donation to his heroic efforts, click here.

Birthdays

Wales international full-back Caleb Aekins, who is currently out of contract, turns 25 today (November 21).

Also celebrating; ex-Hull forward Tony Grimaldi (48), Widnes half-back Danny Craven (31), ex-Widnes and Whitehaven half-back Grant Gore (31), former Tonga international Peni Terepo (31) and Doncaster’s new signing Loui McConnell (23).

Trivia

Salford centre Tim Lafai is Samoa’s leading all-time appearance holder, having won 18 caps for his country.

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