RL Today: Hardaker future, Sneyd for England & Hurrell’s World Cup hopes
Hardaker future
Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington says he wants to keep off-contract Zak Hardaker at Headingley beyond this season. (Leeds Live)
Speaking to Leeds Live about Hardaker, Hetherington said: “We are keen to keep Zak, but at this moment in time we don’t have any cap space. That’s an ongoing issue where we are looking to create some space and we’re keen to keep Zak on board and Zak wants to stay with us as well.”
Sneyd for England
Salford half-back Marc Sneyd is in contention for an England call-up for the World Cup. (Hull Live)
The 31-year-old will link up with Shaun Wane’s squad this week as preparations for the World Cup continue, according to Hull Live.
WARRIOR: Harry Smith poised for England World Cup call-up
Fa’asuamaleaui’s Kangaroos dream
Gold Coast Titans captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui says his decision to pledge his allegiance to Australia was given the green light by his Samoan father Fereti. (The West Australian)
The Queensland representative was born and raised in Australia but is of Samoan heritage through his dad. He faced a tough call on which nation to pledge his allegiance to at the World Cup, but he has chosen Australia.
Fa’asuamaleaui told The West Australian: “My dad is Samoan and my mum is Australian. Growing up watching World Cups and Darren Lockyer and Petero Civoniceva, I always wanted to be in their footsteps.
“It was a long discussion with the family and dad said ‘you should go play for Australia’. I am hoping to be a part of it.”
Hurrell’s World Cup hopes
Grand Final winner Konrad Hurrell says he would love to make it into Kristian Woolf’s Tonga World Cup squad after a memorable season with St Helens. (Leeds Live)
He told Leeds Live: “If I get picked for the World Cup, I get picked. My main focus was getting in this 17. I am excited for the World Cup. I think Woolfy’s picking the team next week. Hopefully I’ll find a way to squeeze in.”
Knowles to miss England game
The RFL’s match review panel have given St Helens forward Morgan Knowles a one-match ban following the Grand Final.
The Super League Dream Team loose forward is likely to miss England’s World Cup warm-up match against Fiji at Salford on October 7.
The RFL’s MRP have given Knowles a one-match penalty notice for Grade A dangerous contact in Saints’ 24-12 win over Leeds at Old Trafford.
McDermott quits Featherstone
Brian McDermott has resigned as head coach of Featherstone after the club’s shock defeat to Batley in the Championship play-off semi-finals.
The legendary former Leeds coach leaves after just one season at Post Office Road, with Rovers seeing their season ended by Craig Lingard’s inspired Bulldogs.
“I feel my departure will give the club the opportunity to take a new direction,” said McDermott. “Hopefully they will be able to build upon the progress made this year.
“I came to the club with a clear objective to achieve promotion to Super League; an objective which unfortunately has not been achieved.”
Birthdays
Sheffield Eagles coach Mark Aston turns 55 today (September 27).
Also celebrating; ex-Oldham centre Darren Abram (55), ex-Hull playmaker Brett Seymour (38), forme rSt Helens prop Paul Clough (35), ex-Leigh forward Lachlan Burr (30), Italy international James Saltonstall (29), former Castleford winger Denny Solomona (29), New Zealand Warriors’ new recruit Dylan Walker (28) and Leeds winger Liam Tindall (21).
Trivia
St Helens prop Matty Lees set a new Super League record for the quickest try in a Grand Final. He went over just two minutes and 26 seconds into their 24-12 triumph over Leeds.
PODCAST: Adam Cuthbertson on time at Leeds, Rhinos’ resurgence & Wayne Bennett’s influence
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