RL Today: Mitchell Pearce open to NRL return & Lewis Murphy breaks silence on speculation

Mitchell Pearce open to NRL return

Catalans half-back Mitchell Pearce has said he is open to an NRL return before retiring. (Daily Telegraph)

Pearce, 33, is in his final year of his two-year deal with the Super League outfit in 2023 – but does have the option for a third.

Sione Mata’utia reveals NRL desire

St Helens back-rower Sione Mata’utia has spoken about his desire to return to the NRL in the near future. (Newcastle Herald)

Mata’utia, 26, made the Super League switch ahead of the 2021 season, winning back-to-back Grand Finals.

He told the Newcastle Herald: “This is my last year in England and hopefully there is some interest back home here and to getting back and playing with someone here, but if not – it is what it is.”

Lewis Murphy on NRL speculation

Lewis Murphy has spoken about the recent reports linking him with a move to the NRL for 2024. (Yorkshire Post)

The 20-year-old winger has been heavily linked with the Sydney Roosters following a breakthrough year with Wakefield that included 17 tries in 19 games. 

Jack Walker injury latest

Jack Walker is set to be sidelined “for a while” following his hamstring injury picked up in the opening round of the Championship for Bradford. (Telegraph and Argus)

Head coach Mark Dunning told the Telegraph and Argus: “The injury will keep him out for a while, but he’s doing well, and we’ve all put our arms round him.

“There’ll be no time frame given by the club, we’ll give an update when he’s close to returning, but let’s just say it’s not the end of the world.”

Radford on O’Neill return

Castleford boss Lee Radford has discussed the potential return of Jacques O’Neill. (Yorkshire Live)

The utility forward quit the club last year to appear on hit ITV reality show, Love Island.

Matty English on Huddersfield future

Huddersfield prop Matty English has discussed his future as he enters his final year of his current contract. (Yorkshire Post)

English, 25, came through the club’s academy and has made 83 Super League appearances to date.

Birthdays

Former Bradford, Wigan, England and Great Britain playmaker Paul Deacon turns 44 today (February 13).

Also celebrating; Ex forward Frank-Paul Nu’uausala (35), former NRL and Super League prop Eddy Pettybourne (35), Barrow captain Jarrad Stack (35) and hooker Chris Cullimore (30).

Trivia

18 different teams have competed in the World Club Challenge. 

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