RL Today: Farrell injury update, Proctor’s point to prove & Ruan loving Leeds life

Drew Darbyshire
Liam Farrell Wigan Warriors SWpix

Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix

Farrell injury update

Wigan captain Liam Farrell is back in full training after missing the back end of last season and the World Cup. (Wigan Today)

Farrell told Wigan Today: “It was really disappointing with the timing of it. I missed the backend of the season and then the England stuff, but I’m all fit now and ready to go. I’ve been in for the majority of pre-season, so the knee is good and the body is healthy.”

Proctor’s point to prove

New Wakefield signing Kevin Proctor says he is eager to prove himself in Super League following his move to Wakefield. (The Yorkshire Post)

The former New Zealand international was sacked by NRL side Gold Coast Titans in July for vaping in the toilets during a game and then posting a video of it on social media.

Proctor says he wants to let his rugby do the talking in 2023. He told The Yorkshire Post: “I’ve never really worried about people’s opinions. You kind of learn how to deal with fans and critics along the way. I’ve got a pretty thick skin. But I’ve definitely got a point to prove. I’m definitely not here for a holiday. I’ll show people that with my actions.”

TRINITY: Proctor to wear No. 19 for Wakefield in 2023

Ruan loving Leeds life

New Leeds recruit Leon Ruan was playing in League 1 for Doncaster last season and is now in a full-time environment with the Rhinos. (Yorkshire Evening Post)

The 19-year-old is in no rush to make his first team debut for the Rhinos and is happy to bide is time – but would be ready if the opportunity came.

He told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “Obviously if the opportunity comes I’ll do my best to try and make sure I am ready to get into the team for my Super League debut. I am just trying to soak everything in. I have got expectations for myself, but I also don’t want to put pressure on myself.”

RUAN’S BARBADOS: How the West Indies could line-up if their rugby league team returned

Hull KR “fitter” this year

Hull KR winger Ryan Hall says he is excited about what they can do under head coach Will Peters. (Mirror)

Hall told the Mirror: “He does have his ideas about what a good team will look like and KR will look slightly different this year compared. Without giving too much away, we are certainly a fitter team this year. That helps. But we’ve a bit more structure.”

Featherstone bombshell enters the villa

Former Featherstone reserves player Kai Fagan has entered hit reality TV show Love Island.

The 24-year-old Mancunian has entered the villa, with the show returning to our screens on Monday night. He represented England Universities in rugby league in 2019 and has also represented Jamaica in Rugby 7s.

Cornwall’s latest recruit

League 1 side Cornwall have made their latest signing ahead of the 2023 season in the shape of George Mitchell, who has swapped codes from rugby union side Penryn.

The 25-year-old attended the club’s second open player trial back in November, impressing head coach Mike Abbott.

Mitchell said: “The trial went well for me personally and that has presented the opportunity to have a go at something different.”

Birthdays

North Queensland Cowboys coach Todd Payten turns 44 today (January 18).

Also celebrating; Catalans legend Gregory Mounis (38), Cornwall’s Jamaica international Aaron Jones-Bishop (33), USA international Junior Vaivai (33), ex-Castleford forward Cheyse Blair (31), North Wales prop Brad Brennan (30), Batley forward Jack Blagbrough (29) and Brisbane forward Jordan Riki (23).

Trivia

St Helens captain James Roby holds the record for most Super League appearances, surpassing Leeds great Kevin Sinfield last season.

Roby has played 522 games for St Helens since making his first team debut in 2004.

WATCH: Sheffield star Ollie Roberts tells story behind his heartwarming gesture