RL Today: Maher attracts interest, Agar on Warriors & Italy’s care workers

Drew Darbyshire
Will Maher SWpix

Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

Maher attracting interest

Championship side Halifax are showing interest in former Hull KR prop Will Maher. (Yorkshire Live)

The 26-year-old prop is currently a free agent having left Hull KR at the end of last season. Halifax are keen on securing his services for 2023, according to Yorkshire Live.

Agar on Warriors role

Richard Agar is excited to get his teeth stuck into his assistant coaching role with NRL side New Zealand Warriors – but he doesn’t fancy being a head coach again. (Stuff)

Agar told Stuff: “I’ve absolutely no desire to be a head coach again. I’ve had around 10 seasons as a head coach and I love working in the game. I hope I can support Andrew (Webster) via those experiences. As a first time head coach you can be a great technical coach, but walking in the shoes of a head coach is very different.”

Italy’s care workers

There is a lovely feature in The Guardian on Italy duo Jake Colovatti and Radean Robinson, who look after autistic children and disabled adults in their day jobs. (The Guardian)

Colovatti told The Guardian: “I got into it off the back of footy as soon as I moved to Sydney. It’s the best thing I’ve done. At first I wasn’t sure, but I’m warming to it. It’s definitely something I’m enjoying. I love helping the kids. It’s made such a better person, made me grow and taught me to appreciate what I have.”

Rushton’s Irish pride

In honour of his dying grandma, Huddersfield prop Harry Rushton says he is representing Ireland with pride this autumn. (Mirror)

Rushton told the Mirror: “My mum’s mum was born in Belfast. She was adopted and moved to England at a young age. It’s a pretty far link but they’re really proud on that side. Unfortunately, she’s pretty much on her deathbed at the minute in a nursing home. She doesn’t really understand what’s happened but I’d got all my documents sorted last year when the tournament was planned for 2021.”

Salford link up with Red Star Belgrade

Super League side Salford have agreed a long-term partnership with Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade.

The partnership will assist Salford’s talent identification programme and player pathway opportunities, with Salford reserves coach Stuart Wilkinson – previously Serbian national coach – already possessing an elite understanding into what benefits the relationship with bring.

Raw talent in the Balkans will become a particular interest, with a plan of honing top tier players. This will, in turn, assist the Serbian national team and help them climb the world rankings.

Featherstone sign French half-back

Championship club Featherstone have singed French half-back Thomas Lacans from Newcastle Thunder for 2023.

He came through the ranks at Catalans Dragons and has played for Lezignan in the French Elite 1 Championship.

Rovers coach Sean Long said: “Thomas has a very bright future ahead of him, we’re excited to see him develop over the coming season, he is already a talented player and showcased his abilities for Newcastle this year.”

Birthdays

Former Great Britain, Wales and Widnes favourite Jonathan Davies turns 60 today (October 14).

Also celebrating; former Wigan half-back Craig Murdock (49), ex-England international Richie Mathers (39) and Sheffield legend Menzie Yere (39).

Trivia

Australia legend Cameron Smith holds the record for most World Cup appearances. He played 17 games for the Kangaroos between 2008-17.

More World Cup content

Mitchell Moses: This Lebanon jersey means everything

Rugby league “needs” more international fixtures to grow

“It beggars belief” Jason Robinson hits back at World Cup attendances and ticket prices

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