RL Today: Joe Batchelor addresses NRL rumours & former Hull prop training with Bradford

Josh McAllister
Joe Batchelor St Helens

Joe Batchelor addresses NRL rumours 

St Helens back-rower and England international Joe Batchelor has addressed the rumours linking him with a move to the NRL. (Yorkshire Live)

Reports in Australia earlier this year suggested that the 28-year-old was keen to explore his options in Australia.

However, Batchelor has since denied the reports, having also signed a new long-term contract with St Helens last October.

Former Hull prop training with Bradford

Former Hull FC prop Masimbaashe Matongo has been training with Championship outfit Bradford. (Hull Daily Mail

Matongo, 26, left the Black and Whites at the end of 2021 and went on to join York in the second division for 2022.

He went on to make 19 appearances under James Ford, and left the club at the end of the campaign, having sustained a season-ending shoulder injured in August.

St Helens receive double injury boost 

St Helens have received a major boost ahead of their World Club Challenge clash against Penrith Panthers later this month. (Yorkshire Live)

Centres Mark Percival and Will Hopoate, who have both been recovering from long-term injuries during pre-season, will return to the field against St George Illawarra Dragons this Saturday in a friendly before facing NRL champions Penrith.

Family of missing Bryn Hargreaves on ‘stumbling block’

The family of missing former prop Bryn Hargreaves have spoken out about their struggles over the last 12 months in the effort of finding him. (Wigan Today)

He was reported missing at the beginning of last year. His uncle, John Fieldhouse, has recently spoken of the frustrations they have endured since starting their search.

The former Great Britain international said: “We do want to push and try and find him, but it would have been so much easier if it had been in this country.

“It’s on American soil in a place nobody really cares about overseas people.”

Super League clubs need to entertain

Hull FC boss Tony Smith believes Super League clubs should focus on one major key to the game ahead of IMG’s overhaul; entertaining. (Hull Daily Mail)

“We’ve got to entertain – our sport has got to entertain,” Smith told Hull Live. “We all keep looking at what is going to happen with IMG. They can only sell our product if it’s entertaining.”

Croft lands new club in Australia

Former Wakefield Trinity centre Jack Croft has found a new club in Australia for 2023 following his exit from the Super League outfit.

The 22-year-old has joined the Wynnum Manly Seagulls for 2023 in the Queensland Cup, linking up with former St Helens outside-back Josh Simm. 

Birthdays

Former Canberra, St George, Brisbane, Salford and Gold Coast winger turned wrestling star Daniel Vidot celebrates his 33rd birthday today (February 8).

Also celebrating; Ireland international Ed Chamberlain (27) and Salford’s Tyler Dupree (23).

Trivia

The last time St George Illawarra Dragons played a Super League side was back in 2018, defeating Hull FC 24-18 in Sydney.

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