RL Today: Catalans star suffers long-term injury & more calls for Wane to remain England boss

Josh McAllister 04 Jan 2023 7:00 AM

Mike McMeeken England SWpix — Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

Catalans star suffers long-term injury

Catalans forward Mike McMeeken will miss several months of action due to an injury picked up during the World Cup with England. (L’Independant)

L’Independant have reported that the 28-year-old suffered a blow during the delayed 2021 tournament. The utility forward was limited to just 11 Super League appearances in 2022 due to injuries.

More calls for Shaun Wane to stay as England coach

England assistant Andy Last has become the latest person to back Shaun Wane to keep his England job. (The Sun)

Adrian Morley previously shared his views, declaring that the 58-year-old coach should be handed a new three-year deal to lead England into the 2025 World Cup.

Mark Applegarth aiming for play-offs

Wakefield’s new head coach Mark Applegarth wants more than to just survive in the upcoming 2023 Super League campaign. (Wakefield Express)

The side had been flirting with relegation during the 2022 season, ultimately winning the battle for survival over Toulouse, who will feature in the Championship once again in 2023.

For his first season in charge, Applegarth has set his sights much higher, believing the play-offs is achievable.

He told Wakefield Express: “You want to be in the play-offs – I am sure every single coach would say that and getting in there is a different thing, but I think if we can keep our squad fit, we can compete with anyone.”

Jacques O’Neill return hopes dampened

If Jacques O’Neill was planning on a return to the sport, those hopes have been put on hold following a fractured foot. (Yorkshire Live)

O’Neill, 23, left Castleford last year to feature on ITV’s Love Island. He had been rumoured to be making a return to rugby league for Cumbria against Jamaica ahead of the World Cup, but was not named in the squad by coach Paul Crarey.

His future in the sport remains unknown, but any immediate return plans have been put on hold due to his fresh injury.

Tony Gigot finds new club for 2023

France international half-back Tony Gigot has joined Albi for the rest of the French Elite 1 Championship season.

The 32-year-old full-back or half-back left Toulouse at the end of last season following their relegation from Super League.

Toulouse’s return to the Championship to be streamed live

Toulouse’s opening fixture back in the Championship will be streamed live by the Our League platform against Barrow Raiders.

The tie will take place on Saturday, 4 February, at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium with a 3pm kick-off.

🇫🇷 Our opening fixture of the 2023 Betfred Championship season at home to @TOXIII will be streamed on @TheRFL's OurLeague platform 📺

— Barrow Raiders (@BarrowRaiders) January 3, 2023

Birthdays

Great Britain international and new Newcastle Knights recruit Jackson Hastings turns 27 today (January 4).

Also celebrating; Leigh’s Jack Hughes (31), former Ireland international Danny Bridge (30), half-back Benn Hardcastle (30), Wigan’s Bevan French (27), Huddersfield recruit Harvey Livett (26) & Italy international Jake Maizen (26).