RL Today: New Leigh signing & Hull KR youngster set for Australia move

Drew Darbyshire
Ava Seumanufagai Leigh's SWpix

Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix

Leigh’s new signing

Leigh have bolstered their pack with the addition of former Leeds prop Ava Seumanufagai on a one-year deal for the 2023 season.

The 31-year-old was out of contract after leaving NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs at the end of last season.

Seumanufagai spent two seasons in Super League with Leeds between 2019-20, making 32 appearances. He helped the Rhinos win the Challenge Cup behind closed doors at Wembley in 2020.

On joining Leigh, Seumanufagai said: “I’m really excited to be given the opportunity to join the Leigh Leopards; and be back in the Super League. I’m looking forward to meeting the boys and ripping in for 2023.”

Hull KR youngster set for Australia move

Max Kirkbright is set for a move Down Under after he was granted a release from his contract with Hull KR. (Hull Live)

The young outside-back will ply his trade in Australia this year although his next destination is unknown at the moment, according to Hull Live.

Scouting for Girls to headline Leigh opener

Leigh have announced that pop band Scouting for Girls will headline their Super League season opener against Salford on February 17.

 

Naiqama targets silverware

It could be a lucky omen for Huddersfield that their new signing Kevin Naiqama has won the Super League title for each season he has been in England. (The Yorkshire Post)

The Fiji captain spent three years with St Helens between 2019-21, winning three Super League titles and a Challenge Cup.

After spending last season in the NRL with Sydney Roosters, Naiqama has returned to England to join Huddersfield on a two-year deal.

He told The Yorkshire Post: “I wanted to be a part of building a successful legacy. For us making a move back to the other side of the world, it’s not to come and make up time; we want to make every day count. I want to go back with some silverware. That’s my goal and purpose of coming here.”

Hull KR link up with the Netherlands

Hull KR have agreed a multi-year partnership with the Netherlands Rugby League Bond (NRLB).

As part of the partnership, Hull KR Foundation will undertaking rugby league coaching clinics in the Netherlands and provide resources to support the growth of the Dutch domestic competition and the country’s international rugby league ambitions.

The Hull KR Foundation will look to support the development of new and existing staff across the game in the Netherlands whilst building strong ties to establish more player pathways and innovative projects linking the Robins and the NRLB.

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Pre-season round-up

A number of pre-season friendlies took place this weekend. However, the bad weather forced the cancellation of five games.

Friday

Featherstone 28-0 Hull KR

London Skolars 18-58 London Broncos

Saturday

Leigh 14-12 Leeds

Sunday

Whitehaven 14-22 Wigan

Barrow 14-4 Workington (ended early due to floodlight failure)

Sheffield 20-22 Hull

Oldham 20-42 Widnes

Cancelled:

Hunslet v Halifax

Doncaster v Newcastle

Bradford v Huddersfield

Keighley v Castleford

York v Batley

FIXTURE LIST: List of 2023 rugby league pre-season friendlies

Birthdays

Former Australia, Lebanon, New South Wales and Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah turns 39 today (January 23).

Also celebrating; Hull KR captain Shaun Kenny-Dowall (35), former England international Scott Moore (35), Huddersfield’s Tongan ace Tui Lolohea (28) and Greece international Billy Magoulias (26).

Trivia

Josh Charnley scored the first try for Leigh Leopards following the club’s rebrand in their 14-12 win over Leeds in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

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