RL Today: Wire ace backed for England honours & Challenge Cup TV coverage

Drew Darbyshire
James Harrison Warrington Wolves News Images Wire

Photo: Craig Thomas/News Images

Wire ace backed for England honours

Wire prop James Harrison has been backed to follow in his father Karl’s footsteps in winning international honours. (Warrington Guardian)

When asked whether or not the in-form forward should be in England coach Shaun Wane’s thoughts, Wire coach Daryl Powell told Warrington Guardian: “You’d think that would be the case. He’s a quality rugby league player. I always thought this about him and he’s got pedigree with his dad playing international as well.”

Sutton loving life as a Bulldog

Former Wigan forward Ryan Sutton says he is enjoying his time with Canterbury Bulldogs after making his debut for the Bulldogs in the opening round of the NRL campaign. (NRL.com)

Sutton told NRL.com: “It’s been good. It’s a new club and new environment and new everything so I’ve really loved it. Like everyone else in this squad, I’m still finding my feet so finding that role will come in time and when it comes it’ll come and I’ll relish it.”

Tonga powerhouse commits to NRL club

Gold Coast Titans have tied down Tonga star David Fifita to a new deal that will see him remain with the NRL club for at least another three seasons.

The 23-year-old has already made 85 NRL appearances for Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans. He made his international debut for Tonga at last year’s World Cup.

Titans coach Justin Holbrook said: “To have David commit to the Titans shows he believes in what we are building and it gives us great confidence as a club.”

Brothers in arms

There was a lovely moment before Featherstone’s game with Bradford last night. Rovers winger Luke Briscoe was presented his match jersey by his brother Tom to celebrate his 200th career appearance.

Darts champ at Super League clash

Giant love

Jermaine McGillvary and Michael Lawrence may not be team-mates anymore – but they are still the best of mates off the field! This interview is ace…

Challenge Cup TV coverage

The details for the 16 third round ties in this season’s Challenge Cup have been confirmed, with two selected for live coverage.

BBC Sport will show Thatto Heath Crusaders against North Wales Crusaders on Sunday March 12, as the St Helens community club look to repeat their success in 2019.

They defeated North Wales 16-14 in the fourth round, which was the longest cup run enjoyed by a community club in recent years.

Thatto Heath had already defeated Stanningley, Leigh Miners Rangers and Rochdale Mayfield to reach that stage, before bowing out against Dewsbury Rams.

The tie will be shown on the BBC Sport website, BBC iPlayer and BBC Red Button, with kick-off at 12.30pm.

The mouth-watering clash between Championship heavyweights Featherstone and Halifax will also be streamed live by The Sportsman.

The game at Post Office Road takes place on Sunday March 12, kick-off 3pm.

CHALLENGE CUP: Third round TV ties confirmed plus draw for fourth and fifth rounds

Birthdays

Former Australia, Tonga and New South Wales representative Brent Kite turns 42 today (March 7).

Also celebrating; ex-Wales international Peter Lupton (41), former Queensland representative Jacob Lillyman (39), Jamaica international Omari Caro (32), Leeds’ France international Justin Sangare (25) and Papua New Guinea international Robert Derby (21).

Trivia

Wire prop Sam Kasiano made his 250th career appearance in their 36-20 win over Salford last Thursday.

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