RL Today: Hughes exit, Cudjoe future, Ma’u blow & Hopoate return

Hughes exit

Warrington forward Jack Hughes is set to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season. (Yorkshire Live)

Several clubs have already held talks with the 30-year-old Great Britain international, according to Yorkshire Live.

Cudjoe future

Huddersfield legend Leroy Cudjoe says he hopes to play on with his hometown club in 2023. (Yorkshire Live)

The 34-year-old’s existing deal expires at the end of this season. Cudjoe told Yorkshire Live: “Watto has told me he wants me here so I’m hoping they’ll make me an offer soon and we can get things sorted.”

Ma’u blow

Hull have been dealt a hamstring injury blow to key back-rower Manu Ma’u following last week’s 4-0 defeat at Warrington. (The Yorkshire Post)

Hodgson told The Yorkshire Post: “He’ll be unavailable. It’s looking like he’ll maybe be two or three weeks, at best.”

Hopoate return

St Helens coach Kristian Woolf says Tonga international Will Hopoate has a very good chance of returning to face Catalans on Saturday. (St Helens Star)

Woolf told St Helens Star: Woolf said: “Will has trained really well this week and is one we will make a decision on later on in the week. He has a very good chance of playing.”

Hull keen on NRL star

Hull FC coach Brett Hodgson has addressed the speculation linking his side to Newcastle Knights utility back Tex Hoy.

Hodgson said: “We like him. Obviously it’s come out (to the public). He’s in a situation at the moment where Kalyn Ponga at Newcastle is out with concussion so I believe he’s been named this weekend (to face Gold Coast Titans).

“I do like him as a player, but time will tell whether or not that happens.”

Lingard joins The Love Rugby League Podcast

Batley Bulldogs head coach Craig Lingard is the latest guest on the Love Rugby League Podcast.

The former player joins host George Riley for this week’s big interview following his side’s impressive 28-20 victory over promotion-chasing Featherstone Rovers in the Championship.

Lingard explains the problems teams outside of Super League are facing financially, and with uncertainty over a future change in league structure. He shares his opinions on the league’s possible re-structure, including promotion and relegation and two divisions of 14.

He also discusses the ‘scary’ Championship recruitment rules and also believes second-place in the Championship is within reach for his Bulldogs side. 

Birthdays

Former Samoa and Wigan favourite George Carmont turns 44 today (June 30).

Also celebrating; ex-Leigh forward Tommy Goulden (41), former Wales international Michael Channing (30), France and Toulouse prop Romain Navarrete (28) and Manly winger Reuben Garrick (25).

Trivia

Castleford full-back Niall Evalds needs just one appearance to reach 200 for his career.

PODCAST: Craig Lingard on Championship recruitment rules, Batley & two divisions of 14?