RL Today: Hull KR star’s touch of class & Ukraine calls on heritage players
Photo: James Heaton/News Images
Hull KR star’s touch of class
Hull KR ace Mikey Lewis made a young ball boy’s day on Friday night.
The half-back warmed up for the second half of their game against Leigh by having a couple of passes with the youngster, who will probably remember that moment forever.
Hull KR lost 30-25 against Leigh, but that night will live long in the memory for the young ball boy. Great touch from Lewis.
— Mikey Lewis (@mikeylewis32) March 4, 2023
Ukraine calls on heritage players
Ukraine Rugby League president Artur Martyrosian has appealed for players with Ukrainian heritage to represent the nation in this year’s European Championship, which act as 2025 World Cup qualifiers. (International Rugby League)
Speaking on the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, Martyrosian said players had now become soldiers and their priority was to continue defending the country.
Ukraine RL are calling on heritage players for the first time.
Martyrosian said: “With the senior team, most of our players are now soldiers in the Ukrainian Army, so this year we have just one option to help with our preparation for the European Championship Group B, which will be held in October, and that is to invite experienced players with Ukrainian heritage.
“To continue our growth the only option we have is this invitation to heritage players in Australia and England.”
Leigh proud of Brand
Leigh forward Jack Hughes said the club were full of support for centre Keanan Brand during his time in Love Island. (Mirror)
The Ireland representative’s time in the villa was short lived, but he made a good impression on the hit reality TV show. He will now return the Leopards as he continues to recover from a double hernia operation in the off-season.
Hughes told the Mirror: “Cheeky chappy sums him up. He’s a lad’s lad, keeps himself looking sharp and looks after himself. He’s always got a smile on his face and is a pretty positive character. But in rugby terms he trains hard and is a good character to have around, so it’s been good to see him in there doing that.”
Sheens on Bateman
Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens insists he won’t be rushed into bringing new signing John Bateman into the team, with the England international having only arrived recently. (The Canberra Times)
Sheens told The Canberra Times: “If it was a Grand Final this week, he would play. But we have invested four years in him and I am not going to ruin the opportunity early by pushing him through because we have lost a game.”
Dream start for Dolphins
It was a dream start for the Dolphins in the NRL as they stunned Sydney Roosters 28-18 in front of a 35,000-strong crowd at Suncorp Stadium.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Mark Nicholls, Connelly Lemuelu and Jamayne Isaako (2) went over for Wayne Bennett’s side.
our first ever team song ♥️ pic.twitter.com/dmg0bU2S5k
— The Dolphins (@dolphinsnrl) March 5, 2023
Warrington’s fresh blow
Warrington youngster Adam Holroyd was forced from the field in the early stages of their 40-16 win over Salford in a reserves match on Saturday. (Warrington Guardian)
The 18-year-old started in their first team win at Huddersfield in Round Two; and was 18th man against Salford on Thursday. Warrington Guardian report Holroyd left the field with his arm in a sling in the reserves game.
Birthdays
Former Great Britain, Wales and Warrington centre Allan Bateman turns 58 today (March 6).
Also celebrating; ex-St Helens forward Adam Fogerty (54).
Former Wales and Keighley half-back Danny Jones would have turned 37 today. RIP.
Trivia
Former Great Britain international Paul Sykes kicked goal number 1,000 of his career in Dewsbury’s 50-10 win over Midlands Hurricanes yesterday.