RL Today: Channel 4 TV figures, Bateman latest & Young to Roosters?

Drew Darbyshire 21 Feb 2023 7:00 AM

Dom Young England News Images — Photo: Craig Thomas/News Images

Young to Roosters?

England star Dom Young has reportedly told Newcastle Knights of his plans to join Sydney Roosters next season. (The Daily Telegraph)

The towering 21-year-old winger has just enjoyed an impressive World Cup campaign with England. He has taken the NRL by storm since he arrived from Huddersfield, scoring 18 tries in 26 games for the Knights.

The Daily Telegraph report the Roosters have won the race to sign Young, who was reported to have attracted interest from the Dolphins and Gold Coast Titans as well.

Bateman latest

Wests Tigers’ new recruit John Bateman is expected to land in Sydney this week, but coach Tim Sheens says he won’t be rushed into the team in time for the start of the NRL season. (The West Australian)

The Tigers take on Gold Coast Titans at Leichhardt Oval in their opener on March 5.

Tigers coach Tim Sheens told The West Australian: “We’ll just let him settle down. It’s a long-term contract and I know everyone wants to get away to a good start, but I’m not going to make a decision on that until he gets here.”

Channel 4 viewing figures

Channel 4 have posted impressive TV figures following their coverage of the World Club Challenge and the Super League clash between Hull KR and Wigan on Saturday.

World Club Challenge on Channel 4 had a 202,000 average and 290,000 peak.

Hull KR v Wigan had a 306,000 average and 495,000 peak. 4.4% Audience Share.

— RugbyLeagueonTV.com (@rugbyleagueontv) February 19, 2023

TV: Channel 4’s Super League coverage shortlisted for award

Paasi cleared of wrongdoing

St Helens prop Agnatius Paasi has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the tackle that resulted in Penrith winger Taylan May being ruled out for the entire 2023 campaign. (St Helens Star)

Paasi was not penalised on the night for the tackle and St Helens Star report that the match review committees of both the NRL and Rugby Football League have examined it, declaring that the challenge was not careless, with the tackle not matching the criteria for a cannonball tackle.

Loan star impresses Wire coach

Warrington coach Daryl Powell says he has been impressed with the displays of young half-back Riley Dean whilst on loan at Featherstone in the Championship. (Warrington Guardian)

Powell told Warrington Guardian: “He’s started the season really well. It’s a great opportunity for him to play every week. He’s played minimal games over the past couple of years, and there was Covid before that. For him, he’ll benefit massively from his time at Featherstone even just by playing every week. He’ll get a hell of a lot out of it so it’s a perfect scenario for him.”

Rozalla to perform at Wigan

Singer Rozalla will headline Wigan’s first home game of the Super League season against Wakefield on Friday.

Rozalla, better known for her 90s anthems Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good), Faith (In the Power of Love) and Are You Ready To Fly, will be performing both at the pre-match Robin Park Arena fan village before heading over to the DW Stadium where she will entertain the crowd ahead of their home opener.

Birthdays

Former Great Britain international and Bradford legend Keith Mumby turns 66 today (February 21).

Also celebrating; former Tonga international Tau Liku (52), ex-Australia international Ben Ikin (46), Featherstone utility Craig Hall (35), Barrow’s Nathan Mossop (35), Hull KR full-back Will Dagger (24) and Leigh forward Kai O’Donnell (24).