RL Today: Catalans keen on Cook Islands star & Hampshire injury update

Drew Darbyshire
Steven Marsters, Rugby League World Cup. PA Images. Cook Islands

Photo: Will Matthews/PA Wire/PA Images

Catalans keen on Cook Islands star

Catalans Dragons are reported to be interested in signing Cook Islands international Steven Marsters. (Toulouse & Catalan Media)

The 23-year-old is currently a free agent. He has won six caps for the Cook Islands and represented the Kukis in last year’s World Cup alongside his cousin Esan, who has joined Huddersfield ahead of the new campaign.

Steven Marsters is comfortable playing centre or wing. He made six NRL appearances for South Sydney Rabbitohs between 2020-21.

Hull derby fixture change

The Hull derby between KR and FC has been changed to Sunday, July 9, with a midday kick-off, live on Sky Sports.

The game was initially scheduled for Friday, July 7. The change is due to legendary rock band The Who performing at Craven Park on July 6.

Former NRL man reaches Super Bowl

Australian NFL star Jordan Mailata shed tears of joy after helping Philadelphia Eagles reach the Super Bowl.

The 25-year-old had never played a game of American football when he was drafted by the Eagles in 2018 after years of trying to hold down a regular spot in the NRL with South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canterbury Bulldogs.

Hampshire injury update

New Wigan recruit Ryan Hampshire says he is progressing “pretty well” as he recovers from an ACL injury. (Wigan Today)

The 28-year-old back has returned to the Warriors on a one-year deal, with a further two years in the club’s favour.

Hampshire told Wigan Today: “It’s about three months from now, the end of April.”

Cornwall sign Malta star

League 1 side Cornwall have signed Malta international Kaine Dimech for the 2023 campaign following a successful trial.

The 27-year-old forward came through the ranks at London Broncos. He has won five caps for Malta, scoring four tries.

Dimech becomes the second Maltese player in the Cornwall ranks for 2023, following in the footsteps of Louis Singleton.

Shaul on his future

Hull full-back Jamie Shaul is focused on enjoyment in what could be the last year of his career. (Hull Live)

The 30-year-old, who is in his testimonial year, is out of contract at the end of the season.

Shaul told Hull Live: “I’m in the last year of my contract now and if this is going to be my last ever year of playing I just want to play with a smile on my face and when I get my chance, put it all in. I just want to enjoy it.”

Birthdays

Former Warrington, Salford, London Broncos and Halifax hooker Dave Highton turns 43 today (January 31).

Also celebrating; former Bradford centre Adrian Purtell (38), ex-Tonga international Fili Lolohea (44), Greece international Tyrone Taukamo (24) and Brisbane youngster Ezra Mam (20).

Trivia

Leigh hold the unwanted record for most points conceded in a Super League season, with 1,210 to their name in 2005.

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