RL Today: France Squad announced & Lee Radford’s concern
Benjamin Garcia (centre) of France is congratulated after scoring a try during the Rugby League World Cup match between England and France at Perth Rectangular Stadium in 2017
France announces latest squad
France Head Coach Laurent Frayssinous has announced his squad for their midseason test with Wales later this month.
Frayssinous told the French Rugby League website: “This group is currently made up of 27 players with two weeks to go and will be reduced to 20 players the week of the match. I have shared with many players and those who are not part of it know what they need to improve on and off the field to hope to integrate the Squad in the future.”
Rugby League to take over Pontefract Racecourse
Players and coaches from Castleford, Leeds, Wakefield and Featherstone will be at Ponetefract Racecourse on Monday for a special event. (Wakefield Express).
The players will be taking part in a series of racing themed events to determine which team will takeover the night.
Lee Radford concerned about Castleford in tough games
Castleford Head Coach Lee Radford had admitted his side’s inability to play tough is a concern. (Yorkshire Evening Post).
The Tigers surrendered a 12-4 half-time lead in their defeat to Wigan on Saturday.
Radford told Yorkshire Evening Post: “Our inability to be able to get in the trench when it gets tough is a real concern.”
Rugby League mourns the loss of first Dally M winner
The sport of rugby league has been paying tribute to the first ever Dally M winner Robert Laurie, who has died at the age of 66.
He had two spells at Easts (now Sydney Roosters) and a two-year spell at South Sydney.
RIP former Souths and Roosters star Robert ‘Rocky’ Laurie – the first Dally M Medal winner in 1980. pic.twitter.com/umH2lOVkk5
— The Mole (@9_Moley) June 4, 2022
Harry Smith considering international options
Wigan half-back Harry Smith is considering his options ahead of the World Cup after being contacted by Wales over possibly representing his Welsh heritage.
The 22-year-old was born and raised in England but qualifies to play for Wales through his grandfather, who hails from Cardiff.
“I’m keeping an open mind,” Smith told Love Rugby League when asked about his plans for the World Cup.
Kristian Woolf believes Toulouse will be difficult to beat
St Helens Head Coach Kristian Woolf believes Toulouse will be a difficult side to beat in the south of France.
Following their win against them on Saturday, Woolf said: “There were no surprises this time and we knew what to expect. Toulouse are a very good side and they are going to be tough to beat here.”
Birthdays
Former Australia international Nik Kosef turns 48 today. (6th June.)
Also celebrating; former Toronto, Salford and Featherstone forward Darcy Lussick (33), Toulouse winger Matty Russell (29) and Castleford centre Jake Mamo (28).
Trivia
The Rugby League World Cup will be played in France in 2025. It follows the Rugby Union World Cup (2023), as well as the Olympics and Paralympics (2024).