RL Today: Josh Hodgson new club, Wakefield fresh start & Clare Balding stays on
Josh Hodgson in action for Canberra
Josh Hodgson finds new club
Canberra Raiders hooker Josh Hodgson has reportedly found a new club in the NRL. (The Sydney Morning Herald)
The 32-year-old England international is to sign a two-year deal with Parramatta Eels from 2023, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Fresh start for Wakefield
Wakefield’s new recruit Liam Hood is confident the club can go well in 2022 under head coach Willie Poching. (Yorkshire Evening Post)
Hood told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “I know what Willie brings. The vibe I get from around the place is, because he’s changed some players and quite a lot of the backroom staff has also changed, there is a really fresh feeling around here. It’s a fresh start for the club as well and Willie has put his own take on things and everyone is buying into it.”
Clare Balding stays on
Clare Balding will stay on as Rugby Football League president to December 2022, the governing body has announced. This is partly to reflect the unique circumstances of the last two years and the delay to the World Cup. At Wednesday’s Rugby League Council meeting, it was also confirmed that promotion and relegation will be unchanged in 2022.
Sezer-Austin combo
Leeds coach Richard Agar has backed the club’s new half-back partnership of Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin to flourish together. (Leeds Live)
Agar told Leeds Live: “From the early signs, it’s something we think we can evolve and develop really quickly, just because of the mere fact that they already have that connection and are on board with each other’s game.”
Agent Goodwin!
Ex-Warrington centre Bryson Goodwin had a bit of an influence on Billy Magoulias’ move to the club. (Warrington Guardian)
Magoulias told the Warrington Guardian: “When I got the offer to come here, I spoke to Bryson. He was tipping me up and said a lot of good things about the place from when he was here.”
Big signing for League 1
League 1 newcomers Cornwall have made Super League Grand Final winner Anthony Mullally their first-ever signing.
The Ireland international, known as the Vegan Warrior, spent last summer surfing in Cornwall. Mullally will link up with his new club for 2022!
MULLALLY: The thought of winning another Grand Final after 2017 was like Everest
Birthdays
Former Wigan favourite Mark Riddell turns 41 today (December 9).
Also celebrating; Papua New Guinea international Enock Maki (32) and Wakefield forward Jay Pitts (32).
Trivia
Anthony Mullally has represented Ireland in two World Cups, winning six caps.
READ MORE: Harry Newman turns down NRL and rugby union to re-sign with Leeds