RL Today: Luke Thompson returns to UK & Latest on Jacob Miller’s future
Luke Thompson returns to the UK due to “personal issue”
Canterbury forward Luke Thompson has flown home to the UK in order to deal with a personal issue. (Sydney Morning Herald).
The Sydney Morning Herald say he left in an emotional state. They also say the club will not pressure him back too soon.
Warrington on the verge of signing Wigan youngster
Warrington are reportedly close to the signing of Wigan youngster Matty Nicholson for the 2023 season. (Warrington Guardian).
Nicholson would join the likes of Paul Vaughan, Gil Dudson and Sam Kasiano in signing for Warrington next year.
Paul Sculthorpe praises Kristian Woolf amid NRL links
Former St Helens forward Paul Sculthorpe has praised current Head Coach Kristian Woolf, as he continues to be linked with an NRL job.
Writing in his column for the St Helens Star, Sculthorpe said: “Personally, I’ve got to know Kristian over the past two-and-a-half years and he’s not just a great coach but a great bloke.
“He’s a straight talking, no nonsense fella, and this is something that comes over in his coaching philosophies.
“The team in my eyes are, the fittest, most skilful and play with a level of intensity on both attack and defence far greater than any other team in the Betfred Super League, something clearly instilled by the coach.”
Derrell Olpherts relaxed on Castleford future
Castleford winger Derrell Olpherts has said he has still not signed a new deal to stay at the club beyond this year. (Yorkshire Live).
Olpherts told Yorkshire Live: “I’m happy to stay but, if I don’t, I’m happy to leave. Whatever happens will happen. It’s out of my hands. All I can control is what I do on the field in a game so I’ll just turn up and play and see what happens in the next couple of weeks.”
Dec O’Donnell on the pride of representing Ireland
Ireland international hooker Dec O’Donnell believes the game is getting more known over there, which is making him more proud to represent them.
“It is always good when you get invited into camp and it is something you don’t take for granted,” a proud O’Donnell told Love Rugby League. “It’s always in my mind that I want to be pulling a green jersey on again.
“I went to a primary school in Loughshinny and spent a few hours with the kids there. It is good to get into the community, it’s something I enjoy doing.”
Jacob Miller unsure where he will play in 2023
Wakefield half-back Jacob Miller has admitted he is unsure on where he will play his rugby once his contract expires.
“I’ve been here since 2013, and this is where I see myself for the foreseeable future,” Miller told Love Rugby League.
“As for next year, I’m not too sure, we’ll just have to wait and see. Obviously, I’m off-contract and there’s going to be some speculation, but we’ll have to wait and see how it pans out over the next few weeks.”
Birthdays
Former Halifax forward Peter Bell turns 60 today. (29th June).
Also celebrating; former Hull half-back Danny Nicklas (31), New Zealand international Joseph Manu (26), Bradford hooker Thomas Doyle (23), Warrington hooker Danny Walker (23) and Canterbury centre Aaron Schoupp (21).
Trivia
Warrington’s 4-0 win over Hull was the first try-less game in the Super League since 2007. Salford beat Harlequins 5-2 that day, in Shaun McRae’s first game in charge of the Reds.
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