RL Today: Wakefield boss confirmed, Whare linked to Wigan & Connor set for Hull exit?

Wakefield boss confirmed

Mark Applegarth is set to be named as the new head coach of Wakefield for 2023. (Yorkshire Post) 

The 37-year-old former player is set to replace Willie Poching, who departed the club earlier this week. Applegarth has worked in a number of roles at Wakefield, most recently as assistant to Poching. 

Jake Connor set for Hull exit?

Hull’s star man Jake Connor could be set for a shock exit ahead of the 2023 season. (Hull Daily Mail)

Hull Daily Mail has reported that Connor is open to a move, with at least one interested party in the England international.  

Wigan interested in Whare

Wigan are interested in off-contract Catalans centre Dean Whare (L’independant)

Whare, 32, is one of a handful of players set for an exit at the French side. Samisoni Langi has confirmed 2022 is his last with the club via social media, while Benjamin Jullien is also set to depart. 

Alex Walmsley’s message

St Helens prop forward Alex Walmsley has took to social media for the first time since it was announced his Super League season and World Cup hopes are over.

Really disappointed that my season has ended in the way that it has and to miss out on the playoffs with the boys and the World Cup.

Looking forward to supporting the team this weekend and hopefully beyond.

Thanks for all the messages and support. See you in 2023 👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/RgDXSzkuMU

— Alex Walmsley (@engywalmsley) September 13, 2022

NRL star to play for Papua New Guinea

NRL star and South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston will represent Papua New Guinea at this year’s World Cup. (RLWC2021) 

The 27-year-old had been linked with a switch to Australia for autumn’s tournament. However, he cannot play for the Kangaroos after playing for PNG already this year in their mid-season test against Fiji.

Dylan Napa to represent Cook Islands

Catalans forward Dylan Napa is set to represent Cook Islands at this year’s World Cup. (RLWC2021)

If selected, it will end his nine year absence having last turned out for the Kukis in the 2013 World Cup. However, the 29-year-old did receive a two-match ban following his club’s play-off defeat to Leeds. It could see him miss a large part of the tournament. 

Birthdays

England boss Shaun Wane celebrates his 58th birthday today (September 14).

Also celebrating; Former player and coach Denis Betts (53), ex-Great Britain prop Stuart Fielden (43), French Elite One’s Constantine Mika (33), Leeds forward James Donaldson (31), Wigan half-back Cade Cust (24), back-rower Ellis Robson (24) and Keighley’s Harvey Spence (22).

Trivia

Current Halifax hooker Kyle Wood needs one appearance to reach 350 for his career. He has previously featured for the likes of Wakefield, Huddersfield, Castleford and Batley.

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