RL Today: Newman appeal, Wire blow, Woolf future & Edwards’ World Cup call
Newman appeal
Leeds centre Harry Newman is hoping to successfully appeal his charge so he can play in Super League this weekend. (Leeds Live)
The England World Cup hopeful was given a two-match penalty notice by the RFL’s match review panel for ‘aggressive behaviour towards a match official’ in last week’s defeat at St Helens.
Woolf future
Kristian Woolf says he is 100% committed to St Helens this season despite being constantly linked with moves to the NRL. (St Helens Star)
The Saints fans were chanting “one more year!” to Woolf after last Thursday’s win over Leeds. Woolf, who is out of contract at the end of the season, said: “I am committed to what I am doing at St Helens at the minute and I love what we are doing as a team.”
Warrington injury blow
Warrington forward Joe Philbin has vowed to come back stronger after being ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.
The England international left the field with a knee injury in Warrington’s 4-0 win over Hull on Friday.
Posting on his Instagram, Philbin said: “Well 2022 that’s a wrap. Definitely not gone the way I planned it to but now it’s time to put all my energy into recovery and coming back a different beast in 2023.”
Hull keen on Hoy
Hull FC are interested in signing Australian utility back Tex Hoy from NRL side Newcastle Knights (Hull Live)
The Black and Whites released marquee half-back Josh Reynolds with immediate effect last week. FC coach Brett Hodgson has revealed they will look into the market to fill the void left by Reynolds, and now Hull Live are reporting that they are keen on bringing Hoy to Super League.
Cornwall celebrate maiden win
Cornwall coach Neil Kelly says it hasn’t really sunk in yet that his side claimed their first-ever win as they beat West Wales Raiders 22-4 on Saturday. (BBC)
Kelly told BBC Cornwall: “We’ve all won games in our rugby careers. But to represent a team that’s in its first season; and to get the first historic win is the bit that hasn’t sunk in yet.”
Edwards’ World Cup call
Kenny Edwards has told Love Rugby League that he has had initial talks with Cook Islands about the potential of representing his heritage at the upcoming World Cup.
Edwards told Love Rugby League: “I’ve had talks with Tony Iro, the coach back there of Cook Islands. I’m not 100% whether I’ll put my hand up but potentially I could play for them at the World Cup.
“My granddad is Cook Islands. I haven’t put my hand up before to play for them but we’ll see. I’m not sure if I will at the end of the year; but I’ll make that decision when the time comes closer.”
Birthdays
Wigan legend Colin Clarke, father of Phil, turns 77 today (June 28).
Also celebrating; former Hull favourite Paul King (43), Warrington forward Jason Clark (33), Tonga international twins Andrew and David Fifita (33), Cornwall forward Anthony Mullally (31), recently retired Albanian forward Olsi Krasniqi (30) and Whitehaven’s Italy international Ryan King (25).
Trivia
The recently appointed Ged Corcoran becomes the first Irish-born head coach of the Ireland side, having been born and bred in County Offaly.
PODCAST: John Kear on international rugby league, re-structure & new Widnes role