RL Today: Warrington ace tipped for honours & re-lighting fire of French RL

Re-lighting the fire of French RL

Catalans Dragons captain Ben Garcia believes French RL has all the pieces in place to be successful in hosting the World Cup in 2025. (International Rugby League)

On French RL, Garcia told IRL: “The is just great news and a super opportunity for the French Federation to grow the game but also for us as players. It’s not something that I imagined, I didn’t expect it but for us as players, we can re-light the fire of French rugby league.”

WORLD CUP: What’s been said about France 2025

Warrington ace tipped for international honours

New Warrington signing Peter Mata’utia believes fellow centre Connor Wrench has the potential to play internationally for England one day. (Warrington Guardian)

Mata’utia told Warrington Guardian: “I’m really excited for him – he could be a starting centre for England. He’s so quick and he’s willing to learn. He’s like my little brother in the team and I’ll do the best I can to help him become all he can be.”

Cramlington Rockets seek new coach

North East community club Cramlington Rockets are looking for a new head coach for its open age first team for the 2022 season.

Jordan Robinson stepped down from the role due to increasing work commitments in his role as general manager of Newcastle Thunder.

If you are interested the role, contract the club via info@cramlingtonrockets.co.uk with details about your background and experience coaching in rugby league.

NEWCASTLE: Josh Woods on Thunder ambitions, captaincy & expansion

Leeds pushing for trophies

Leeds assistant coach Sean Long believes the Rhinos can challenge for honours this year. (Yorkshire Evening Post)

Long told Yorkshire Evening Post: “I will be disappointed if we don’t win a trophy this year.”

Leigh duo backed to thrive

Leigh coach Adrian Lam has tipped two of his new signings to shine in the Championship this season (Leigh Journal)

Samoa and Tonga international John Asiata is set to arrive in the UK this week. Former NRL prop Tom Amone has already been training with the Centurions. Lam told Leigh Journal: “It will take him (Tom) a few weeks to settle in but once he does he will be a completely different beast in the Championship. I am sure the Leigh fans will love him as the season unfolds. It has been hard work bringing in the international players; but we are looking forward to having him and Tom here now. John will certainly give us some extra firepower through the middle.”

Wigan legend back in the game

Andy Gregory is excited to take charge of his first game as Wigan St Patricks coach. (Wigan Today)

The seven-time Challenge Cup winner will lead St Pats in their Cup tie against Rochdale Mayfield on Saturday. He told Wigan Today: “I’ve been asked to sign for a couple of professional clubs, and I never wanted to do it, but St Pat’s is my hometown club and is the place where I started, so I wanted to give something back.”

Birthdays

Ireland and St Helens forward Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook turns 36 today (January 14).

Also celebrating; ex-Australia and Greece international Braith Anasta (40), former England international Chris Heighington (40), Hull prop Josh Bowden (30) and Papua New Guinea and South Sydney Rabbitohs speedster Alex Johnston (27).

Trivia

2025 will be the third time the World Cup has been hosted in France (1954, 1972 and 2025).

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