RL Today: Corey Norman retires, Bevan French update & ‘big change’ at Leeds
Corey Norman in action for St George Illawarra Dragons in 2021
Corey Norman retires
Former Queensland representative Corey Norman has announced his retirement from rugby league, aged 30. (Fox Sports)
The half-back made 228 appearances in the NRL for Brisbane Broncos, Parramatta Eels and St George Illawarra Dragons. He played one game for Queensland in State of Origin in 2019. He had also been linked with a move to Super League for a few years prior to his retirement.
Bevan French update
Bevan French latest following fresh speculation over the future of the Wigan star. (Manchester Evening News)
According to the Manchester Evening News, Wigan remain confident that the full-back will return to the club in 2022 despite reports Down Under suggesting he could remain in Australia to be with his family.
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‘Big change’ at Leeds
Leeds forward Bodene Thompson has welcomed the ‘big change’ at the club over the off-season. (Yorkshire Evening Post)
The Rhinos have made a number of high-profile signings ahead of 2022 in the shape of Aidan Sezer, Blake Austin, David Fusitu’a and James Bentley. Thompson told Yorkshire Evening Post: “Yes, we’ve made some big signings but also added to the backroom staff as well in terms of strength and conditioning. Everything has changed in that aspect as well and just changing the head of performance changes the whole system – or it feels like a big change, at least. Fans won’t ever see that but it’s been good.”
New Warrington recruit settling in
Warrington’s new signing Oliver Holmes is loving life at his new club. (Warrington Guardian)
The 29-year-old England international has joined the Wolves on a three-year deal. He told Warrington Guardian: “It’s been awesome so far. It’s a lot to get used to with the different systems, different environments and so on. It’s been a bit of an adjustment but everyone’s made me feel really welcome and I’m really enjoying it.”
WOLVES: Warrington announce 2022 squad numbers: Oliver Holmes to wear 12
Hull KR star feeling fresh
Jimmy Keinhorst discusses Hull KR role for 2022 as he looks to prolong his career. (Hull Daily Mail)
The Germany international signed a new one-year deal with the Robins at the end of the season. He told Hull Daily Mail: “I do feel good, I do feel fresh and feel like I can offer something. Where that position might be is up for debate but I’ll be happy to get a place in the team wherever that may be and hopefully for as long as I can.”
Challenge Cup ones to watch
The draw for the first two rounds of the 2022 Challenge Cup were made on Tuesday. Community clubs get the competition underway in round one, with League 1 clubs entering the action in round two.
We’ve picked out five standout ties to look out for – one of them being Irish club Galway Tribesmen taking on one of the most famous names in amateur rugby league.
Birthdays
Former Wigan, Workington and Castleford forward Danny Ellison turns 49 today (December 16).
Also celebrating; ex-Ireland international James Mendeika (30), Wales international Sion Jones (24) and France international Romain Puso (24).
Trivia
Wigan hold the record for most Challenge Cup wins with 19, having appeared in 30 finals.