RL Today: Hopoate update, York eye Leigh half-back & Rowley’s lovely tribute

Josh McAllister
State of Origin Will Hopoate St Helens SWpix

Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

Hopoate injury update

St Helens utility Will Hopoate will see a specialist on Friday to determine the full extent of the injury sustained against Huddersfield. (St Helens Star)

Tonga international Hopoate, who will be hoping to play at the World Cup, has been limited to just nine appearances so far this season.

York set sights on Leigh half-back

York are keen on signing Leigh half-back Ata Hingano for the 2023 season. (Yorkshire Live)

Hingano was World Cup semi-finalist with Tonga in 2017. The former Salford man is to join James Ford’s side for 2023, according to Yorkshire Live.

Connor set for early comeback

Jake Connor has been named to make his return for Hull a month earlier than his expected return. Brett Hodgson’s side face Castleford Tigers in Round 20.

The full-back has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury against Wakefield earlier in June. He was originally ruled out for up to 12 weeks. The England World Cup hopeful is set for a return to the field earlier than expected.

Mourgue returns to training

Catalans youngster Arthur Mourgue has returned to training with the Dragons.

Mourgue, 23, suffered a ligament injury representing France in the mid-season international test against Wales. Catalans host Huddersfield this Saturday in Perpignan.

Former Super League prop commits to Halifax

Ex-Salford and Hull KR forward Dan Murray has signed a new two-year deal with Championship club Halifax.

Murray said: “Over the last two years it has felt like home. I’m happy and enjoying it.”

Rowley pays tribute to Bibey

Salford coach Paul Rowley has paid tribute to his friend and former team-mate Ricky Bibey following his sudden death at the age of 40.

Speaking on this week’s Love Rugby League Podcast, Rowley said: “I’ve not had the opportunity to say this in public anywhere, and I would see Ricky regularly as his partner’s son is in my boy’s class so we speak quite regularly.

“I was really sad to hear the news and very upset. I see him regularly and enjoy chatting. We are supposed to be watching our kids play rugby and we just end up talking about old stories.”

Birthdays

Warrington head coach Daryl Powell celebrates his 57th birthday today (July 21).

Also celebrating; 14-time Australia international Gene Miles (63) and former player turned commentator Paul Vautin (63).

Trivia

Keighley Cougars half-back Jack Miller has scored the most points in League 1 so far with 220.

PODCAST: Paul Rowley on potent Salford, Leigh for SL, Toronto experience & remembering Ricky

FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast

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