RL Today: Oliver Wilkes admits doping & Positive injury news for St Helens
Former Scotland captain Oliver Wilkes admits doping
Former Scotland captain Oliver Wilkes has admitted to taking performance-enhancing drugs during his playing career. (ITV).
Wilkes told ITV:”I used to see people who I was as good as, then all of a sudden come back after a pre-season massive. I’d never say what club, what name. And then just see them absolutely tear it up.
“They were quite slow at the start of pre-season, just a bit heavy and then shred up a bit. I assume they’d be clean by this point and avoided being caught.”
Kristian Woolf gives positive injury update
St Helens Head Coach Kristian Woolf has said Mark Percival, Sione Mata’utia, Will Hopoate and Lewis Dodd will be fit to face Hull FC on Saturday. (St Helens Star).
Woolf told St Helens Star: “They have done a fair bit of work with the physio and our main training session is tomorrow and they are all fully fit and joining in that session.
“I am confident all of those guys will play – and if one of them didn’t I am confident in the guys we have got underneath with people champing at the bit to come in and get their opportunity.”
Daryl Powell on Danny Walker’s World Cup chances
Warrington Head Coach Daryl Powell has said hooker Danny Walker’s chances of being involved for England at the World Cup lie with him. (Warrington Guardian).
Powell told Warrington Guardian:”That’s going to depend on Danny and the season he has. He’s certainly got potential to play at the very top level.
Tony Smith supports changes to tackle rules
Hull KR Head Coach Tony Smith has said he supports the rule changes towards tackling this year. (Yorkshire Post).
Smith told Yorkshire Post:“I’ve not seen every incident over the weekend where players have ended up reported but I have no disputes with the way they (RFL) are going in that respect. We have got to change our game and our attitude towards what we’re doing in the tackle.”
Busy night for Disciplinary Tribunal
Catalans pair Gil Dudson and Dylan Napa were already referred to the tribunal. But, they also heard appeals from Warrington forward Oliver Holmes and Leeds forward James Bentley.
Dylan Napa & Gil Dudson: Catalans pair banned following tribunal
James Bentley: Leeds forward James Bentley sees ban increased
Oliver Holmes: Warrington forward Oliver Holmes banned after failed appeal
Joe Shorrocks on working under Sean O’Loughlin, Wigan’s bond & learning from 2021
Wigan loose forward Joe Shorrocks says 2021 was a learning curve for both himself and the club.
“Before last year, I had never played hooker before,” he told Love Rugby League.
“It’s definitely broadened my range of where I can play in what I can do on the pitch.”
Birthdays
Former Sheffield and St Helens half-back Darrell Trindall turns 50 today (16th February).
Also celebrating; former Catalans and Hull forward Adel Fellous (44), former London forward Michael Worrincy (38) and Leeds winger Ash Handley (26).
Trivia
Joe Shorrocks enjoyed a breakthrough year at Wigan in 2021, making 28 appearances for the club.
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