RL Today: Castleford closing in on Gareth Widdop & Woolf linked with NRL once again
Castleford closing in on Gareth Widdop
Warrington and England half-back Gareth Widdop is close to signing with Castleford Tigers for the 2023 season. (Examiner Live)
Widdop, 33, is off-contract at the Halliwell Jones Stadium at the end of the current season.
Kristian Woolf linked with NRL again
St Helens boss Kristian Woolf has once again been linked with the vacant roles in the NRL. (Examiner Live)
Both the Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors parted ways with their head coaches in Michael Maguire and Nathan Brown respectively on Tuesday. 46-year-old Woolf has been linked with the latter, with his contract with St Helens due to expire at the end of the current year.
Mike Cooper to Wigan
Warrington prop Mike Cooper will join Wigan for the 2023 season on a 12-month contract.
The 33-year-old prop will join the Warriors on an initial one-year deal, with a further one-year option.
Leeds Rhinos recruitment
Leeds Live have provided the latest update on recruitment at Headingley Stadium. (Leeds Live)
The Rhinos have notably been quiet during the transfer market so far, but Rohan Smith has began work behind the scenes according to the reports.
State of Origin Game I
The 2022 State of Origin series kicks off later today. For UK viewers, Queensland take on New South Wales live on Sky Sports, with a 11:10 kick-off.
Thomas Mikaele set for Warrington debut
Warrington’s new signing Thomas Mikaele says he is relishing the challenge of moving to the other side of the world and playing in Super League.
The 24-year-old has joined the Wolves on a deal until the end of the 2024 season from struggling NRL side Wests Tigers, where he made 66 appearances.
Mikaele landed in England earlier this week and could make his debut for the Wolves in Sunday’s trip to Wakefield.
Birthdays
Former Australia, Queensland, Brisbane Broncos and Wigan centre Steve Renouf turns 52 today (June 8)
Also celebrating; Ex-Super League and current Halifax hooker Kyle Wood (33), Wests Tigers back-rower Luciano Leilua (26), prop forward Titus Gwaze (23) and towering French forward Corentin Le Cam (23).
Meet Corentin Le Cam: The 6ft 8in French forward aiming to hit the heights with Catalans
Trivia
Salford’s Marc Sneyd needs one point to draw level with Iestyn Harris in joint ninth place in the list of Super Leagu’s all-time leaders.