RL Today: Jack Walker reveals NRL dream & Leeds injury boost

Josh McAllister
Jack Walker Leeds Rhinos SWpix

Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix

Jack Walker reveals NRL dream

Despite his move to the Championship with Bradford for 2023, full-back Jack Walker still has his sights on a move to the NRL in the future. (Yorkshire Post)

Walker, 23, has struggled with injuries in recent campaigns. He was limited to just 15 appearances in 2022 and missed the entire 2021 season. However, the talented youngster still has goals of playing in the top flight in either sides of the world.

He joins Bradford on a one-year deal.

Former Catalans player turns to wheelchair game

Former Catalans Dragons outside-back Younes Khattabi has returned to rugby league – but in the wheelchair format.

The Moroccan has signed up to play for Avignon’s Wheelchair team in the French Elite Championship this season.

Khattabi made 32 appearances for Catalans between 2006-08. He then went on to play for Carpentras, Avignon, Carcassonne and US Entraigues in France. He represented France and Morocco on the international stage.

Leeds injury boost

Harry Newman and Nene Macdonald were both pictured in training during the week with Leeds Rhinos. (Leeds Live)

The pair have both been recovering from injuries ahead of the new season, with new signing Macdonald picking up a knock during his World Cup campaign with Papua New Guinea. Newman, 22, suffered multiple blows last season which saw him miss the Grand Final and the delayed 2021 World Cup.

World darts champion Michael Smith visits St Helens

Days after his World Darts Championship success, Michael Smith took his trophy to the Totally Wicked Stadium on Thursday to visit the St Helens squad during their pre-season.

The St Helens-born man followed up his Grand Slam of Darts win in November with an impressive first-ever Championship title win over three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen on Monday night.

Leigh land in Lanzarote

Leigh Leopards have landed in Lanzarote to continue their pre-season schedule ahead of their return to Super League.

The club are one of four to have yet confirmed their squad numbers ahead of the new campaign.

Why the wait goes on for international calendar

The international rugby league calendar remains unconfirmed for 2023 and Love Rugby League editor James Gordon has tried to find out why.

Having previously promised an announcement mid-year in 2022, and then by the end of December, there is still no sign of the long-awaited international rugby league calendar being announced.

England have confirmed a mid-season international against France, while the biggest-ever European Championships have also been announced for the end of 2023.

Birthdays

Former Canterbury, South Sydney, Warrington, New Zealand and Samoa prop forward Roy Asotasi turns 41 today (January 6).

Also celebrating; Scotland international Liam Hood (31) and outside-back Geronimo Doyle (26).

Trivia

The last time England faced Australia on the international stage was back in 2017 – the World Cup final. The Kangaroos won 6-0 to claim the title at Suncorp Stadium.

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