RL Today: Curtis Sironen’s 17-day Italian nightmare, Tim Lafai lands in England & new Premier Sports presenter revealed

Josh McAllister
Tim Lafai

Tim Lafai lands in England

Salford recruit Tim Lafai landed in England earlier this week.

Head coach Paul Rowley revealed last week that the Samoa international received his visa. He could make his first appearance against Warrington in a pre-season friendly for Lee Mossop’s testimonial.

Curtis Sironen reveals quarantine nightmare

St Helens recruit Curtis Sironen has explained why he was missing in Friday’s clash with Leigh. (St Helens Star)

The back-rower had spent 17-days over Christmas in quarantine in Italy after testing positive for Covid-19 following a holiday with his partner.

Richard Agar’s plans for Corey Johnson

Leeds head coach Richard Agar has Corey Johnson in his future plans. (Yorkshire Post)

Johnson is one of a trio of Rhinos players who will be available to Bradford this year on loan.

2022 Our League Season Preview Show

Our League aired its Season Preview Show for the Championship and League 1 on Monday evening!

Presenter Ross Fiddes was joined by RFL chair Simon Johnson, England star Jodie Cunningham and the RFL’s head of operations and Legal Robert Hicks.

Presenter Emma Jones will be the face of Monday Night Rugby League on Premier Sports in 2022.

Click here to watch the full episode.

Lee Briers on Harry Smith’s bright future

Lee Briers has discussed Wigan’s halves for 2022 and his thoughts on Harry Smith’s bright future.

Briers made the move to the DW Stadium during the off-season as assistant coach, working alongside Matt Peet and Sean O’Loughlin in the coaching staff.

The former Warrington and Wales half-back said: “All through his younger years, he was the best about. He’s come into a Wigan team and he’s played more than 30 plus games as a 20-year-old and as a half-back, probably the most pressured position in rugby league.”

Rob Nickolay joins Castleford

Castleford Tigers have unveiled Rob Nickolay as their new head of youth development. (Yorkshire Evening Post)

The 32-year-old joined Tigers last year as education and development manager, but will now be in charge of the club’s youth pathways.

Birthdays

Misi Taulapapa celebrates his 40th birthday today (January 25). The former Samoan international has signed a new one-year contract with League 1 club Doncaster.

Also celebrating: Former New Zealand, Samoa, Canterbury Bulldogs, St Helens and Salford centre Willie Talau (46), ex-hooker Stuart Howarth (32) and Wigan half-back Harry Smith (22). 

Trivia

Stuart Howarth is enjoying his post-rugby career as a teacher, according to Wigan Today.