RL Today: Whare future, Proctor to Super League & Cornwall’s new coach

Drew Darbyshire 25 Oct 2022 7:00 AM

Whare future

Catalans Dragons centre Dean Whare is on the verge of signing for French Elite 1 Championship side Pia. (Yorkshire Live)

The off-contract New Zealand international was linked with Super League giants Wigan a couple of months ago, but he looks to be staying in France next season, according to Yorkshire Live.

Proctor to Super League

Former New Zealand international Kevin Proctor was reportedly signed a two-year deal with Super League club Wakefield. (The Mole, Wide World of Sports)

The 33-year-old, who has made almost 300 NRL appearances, has decided against retiring in order to join Wakefield ahead of 2023, according to The Mole.

Cornwall’s new coach

League 1 side Cornwall have appointed Mike Abbott as their new head coach for 2023 following the departure of Neil Kelly.

Abbott served as Kelly’s assistant in their inaugural season in 2022. He will now lead the Choughs into their second campaign as a professional club.

Former Super League Coach of the Year Kelly left Cornwall by mutual agreement. The 60-year-old opted not to return for 2023 due to time spent away from his family, and the club say he departs with their “vest best wishes”.

Clark to France?

Newcastle Thunder prop Mitch Clark has also been linked with a move to French club Pia. (Yorkshire Live)

The 29-year-old has most recently been playing in the Championship for Newcastle, but spent four seasons in Super League with Castleford and Wigan. He has signed for Pia for next season, according to Yorkshire Live.

Sky the limit for Welsby

George Williams was full of praise for England team-mate Jack Welsby following their win over France on Saturday. (St Helens Star)

Williams told the St Helens Star: “He’s a talent, a natural rugby player. Put him on the wing, at full-back in the halves, even in the middle, he’d be able to create something. He’s a good kid too, willing to learn. Obviously he’s done a lot already in his career but he’s always listening and trying to get better.”

Five youngsters commit to St Helens

Super League champions St Helens have tied down five highly-rated youngsters down to first team contracts for 2023.

Taylor Pemberton, Matty Foster and Jumah Sambou have all extended their deals to remain at Saints beyond this year. Meanwhile, McKenzie Buckley and Ben Lane have signed full-time contracts for the first time.

Birthdays

Former Great Britain international and current England Knights coach Paul Anderson turns 51 today (October 25).

Also celebrating; ex-Featherstone winger Ikram Butt (54), former Castleford half-back Dean Widders (43), former England international Mark Calderwood (41), new Salford signing Adam Sidlow (35), Cronulla Sharks forward Wade Graham (32), Featherstone utility Matty Wildie (32) and former Hull KR prop Tom Garratt (28).

Trivia

Only three nations have ever won the Rugby League World Cup – Australia (11), Great Britain (3) and New Zealand (1).

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