RL Today: NRL star set for code switch, Hull coach on Joe Lovodua & Castleford appoint new captain

Josh McAllister
Joe Lovodua in action for Fiji

Joe Lovodua of Fiji scores during the Pacific Test Invitational match between Fiji Bati and the Lebanon Cedars at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney, Saturday, June 22, 2019

Hull boss impressed by Joe Lovodua

Hull head coach Brett Hodgson has been impressed by new recruit Joe Lovodua during pre-season. (Hull Daily Mail)

The Fijian international will have competition with both Danny Houghton and Jordan Johnstone for a starting spot in 2022. Hodgson has been pleased with how the hooker has fitted in with the squad for the upcoming campaign.

Oliver Holmes on Warrington pressure

Oliver Holmes has discussed his start to life at Warrington and his new challenge. (Manchester Evening News)

The back-rower spent 12 years at Castleford, before making the switch with head coach Daryl Powell to the Halliwell Jones Stadium for 2022.

NRL star set for code switch

NRL and the Melbourne Storm could be set to miss one of their biggest names to rugby union. (Fox Sports)

New Zealand international Nelson Asofa-Solomona is set to join the Japanese League One competition ahead of the 2023 season. The 25-year-old remains unvaccinated, and by law any player in Victoria must be vaccinated.

Castleford Tigers appoint new captain

Castleford Tigers have teased the appointment of their new captain for 2022.

Replies are predicting Paul McShane, Nathan Massey and Joe Westerman for the role in the upcoming campaign.

Paul Rowley’s first pre-match press conference

Salford head coach Paul Rowley had his first pre-match press conference this week as his side prepare for their test against Swinton.

He revealed who has impressed him during pre-season, Salford’s new half-back partnership and some big names playing their first game for Salford this weekend.

Challenge Cup coverage

Three ties from the first round of the Challenge Cup will be shown live this weekend.

Fixtures will be streamed across Our League, The Sportsman and the BBC in the opening weekend of the cup.

Birthdays

Gold Coast Titans head coach Justin Holbrook turns 46 today (January 13).

Also celebrating: Former Parramatta, Wigan, Wakefield and Salford Tim Smith (37), former Brisbane, Gold Coast and Hull FC outside-back Steven Michaels (35) and new Widnes recruit Matty Fleming (26).

Trivia

Legend Andy Gregory renews his relationship with the Challenge Cup competition this weekend. He returns as head coach of the famous Wigan St Patricks community club, who take on Rochdale Mayfield in round one. 

READ MORE: Community clubs return to Challenge Cup spotlight this weekend

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