RL Today: Wakefield boss on Murphy NRL link & England urged to keep Wane
Photo: Mark Cosgrove/News Images
Wakefield boss on Murphy NRL link
Wakefield coach Mark Applegarth has addressed speculation linking star winger Lewis Murphy to the NRL. (The Yorkshire Post)
Australian publication The Daily Telegraph have reported that NRL side Sydney Roosters have signed speedster Murphy on a two-year deal from 2024.
Applegarth told The Yorkshire Post: “It’s a prestigious club to be linked with but he’s been excellent in training and applying himself as he always does.
“From Wakefield Trinity’s point of view, he’s under contract and as his coach, I know I’ve got his 100 per cent commitment for this year.”
England urged to keep Wane
Wigan chief executive Kris Radlinski says it would be a ‘disaster’ if Shaun Wane is not kept on as England head coach. (Yorkshire Live)
Radlinski told Yorkshire Live: “It would be a disaster if Shaun does not continue as England coach – who else would there be to do the job?”
The K’s to play at Hull KR
The K’s will headline Hull KR’s opening game of the Super League season against Wigan on February 18.
The indie rock band, who hail from Earlestown in the Merseyside borough of St Helens, recently released their latest single Hoping Maybe.
We are delighted to announce that @TheKsUK will play the teams out onto the pitch for Round 1! 🔥🎸
The up-and-coming band are set for a huge year and will provide an electric atmosphere 🙌
Ticket are selling fast, get yours now 👉 https://t.co/8YvLjv8nxY #UpTheRobins🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/EgFbDUTtXM
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) February 1, 2023
Tuimavave injury update
Hull captain Carlos Tuimavave says he hopes to be fit for their opening game of the season against Castleford. (Hull Live)
The former Samoa international told Hull Live: “It’s something I’m pushing for. I don’t know what will happen between now and then – I’m just taking it day by day and if I’m right then I’ll play. Looking at how it is now I’ll most likely play.”
Peet on Hampshire signing
Wigan coach Matt Peet has discussed his thinking behind re-signing utility back Ryan Hampshire. (Wigan Today)
The 28-year-old has returned to the Warriors on a one-year deal, with a further two years in the club’s favour.
Peet told Wigan Today: “We felt it was important that we brought in some depth and options through our spine. Ryan covers a lot of those areas and it opens up a range of changes for us if injuries, suspension or form should dictate.”
Australia star commits to Penrith
World Cup winner Liam Martin has signed a new deal that will see him stay with NRL champions Penrith Panthers until the end of 2024.
The 25-year-old forward has made 86 first team appearances for the Panthers. He has won five caps for Australia and has played six times in State of Origin for New South Wales.
Martin said: “It means the world to me to re-sign with the Panthers. This club gave me my first opportunity when I was 17 and it’s become a second home for me.”
Birthdays
Former England, Salford and Bradford centre Scott Naylor turns 51 today (February 2).
Also celebrating; Salford legend Maurice Richards (78), former Wakefield prop Richard Moore (42), Widnes half-back Tom Gilmore (29), Halifax’s Jamaica international James Woodburn-Hall (28) and Leigh’s Papua New Guinea hooker Edwin Ipape (24).
Trivia
On this day in 2016, the Rugby Football League appointed Wayne Bennett as England’s new head coach.
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