RL Today: Announcements close for Woolf and Roby & Newman hints good news

Josh McAllister
Kristian Woolf

Kristian Woolf and James Roby futures

Kristian Woolf has confirmed that announcements draw closer for his own and James Roby’s futures beyond 2022. (Examiner Live)

St Helens boss Woolf continues to be heavily linked to a move to the NRL, while skipper Roby remains off-contract for 2023. Another one-year extension could see the 36-year-old play in his 20th campaign.

Harry Newman hints huge boost

Harry Newman has declared that his 2022 season is not done yet despite leaving the field during Leeds’ win over Hull KR through injury. (Leeds Live)

The England World Cup hopeful looked to have injured his hamstring once again during the 28-20 victory at Craven Park last Sunday.

However, the centre posted on social media: “2022…not done yet!”

Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook wants one more year

Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook remains off-contract at St Helens for the 2023 season, but wants to play on for another year. (Examiner Live)

The forward has helped Saints to four Grand Final wins and is continuing to have an impact at the club at the age of 36.

Alvaro rules himself out of World Cup

Italy forward Daniel Alvaro has ruled himself out of this year’s World Cup. (RLWC2021)

He told the official Rugby League World Cup 2021 website: “Unfortunately I won’t be playing.

“I’m over here with just my wife and our little baby. She’s not two yet and I don’t want to leave them along in France for a month.

“It wouldn’t be fair to the team either because I’d just be thinking about them the whole time and not about footy. I let the Italian rugby league know a few weeks ago.

“It’s a shame because I would really have liked to play but it’s just the situation I’m in unfortunately.”

13 players charged

A total of 13 players were hit with bans following the latest round of Super League action. Toulouse half-back Corey Norman could have played his final game for the club after copping a Grade F other contrary behaviour charge. He will learn his fate at a later tribunal. 

Latest attendances

It wasn’t the best weekend for Super League attendances. Only one club – Hull FC – recorded a crowd of over 10,000.

A total of 41,804 spectators attended a fixture during Round 23. That’s an average of 6,967 across the six Super League fixtures

Birthdays

Former Wests Tigers, Hull KR and Hull FC forward Ben Galea turns 44 today (August 16).

Also celebrating: Ex-Ireland international Michael Slicker (44) and former Melbourne Storm centre Matt Duffie (32).

Trivia

Current York captain Chris Clarkson celebrated his 300th career appearance last night against Bradford.

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