RL Today: Pettybourne retires, Cornwall trials & Reynolds’ Bulldogs return

Drew Darbyshire
Eddy Pettybourne USA PA

Eddy Pettybourne in action for the USA at the 2017 World Cup

Pettybourne retires

Former Samoa and USA international forward Eddy Pettybourne has retired from professional rugby league.

The 34-year-old prop had most recently been playing for Keighley. He helped the Cougars win promotion to the Championship last season as Rhys Lovegrove’s side won every league game.

Pettybourne’s career saw him play in Australia (South Sydney Rabbitohs, Wests Tigers & Gold Coast Titans), England (Wigan & Keighley), France (Toulouse, Villeneuve & Limoux) and Serbia (Red Star Belgrade).

Pettybourne will now return home to Australia with his family.

Cornwall to host trials

League 1 newcomers Cornwall are holding an open player trial ahead of the 2023 season.

The Choughs finished second bottom in their inaugural season in League 1. Their only win of the season came against West Wales Raiders.

Bradford’s new recruit

Bradford have signed towering outside back Max Clarke on an initial short-term deal.

The 6ft, 105kg back has most recently been with Super League side Hull. Clarke has also spent time at Sheffield and Toulouse following a spell in Australia.

Reynolds training with Bulldogs

Former Hull half-back Josh Reynolds is currently training with his former club Canterbury Bulldogs as he aims to cement a place in their top 30 squad for the 2023 NRL season.

There is one place left in Cameron Ciraldo’s top 30 squad for next year.

The 33-year-old scored 41 tries in 138 games for the Bulldogs between 2011-17. He left Hull towards the back end of last season.

Wiganer commits to Toulouse

Former Wigan forward Joe Bretherton will spend his sixth season with Toulouse in 2023 after signing a contract extension.

The 27-year-old has scored 26 tries in 73 appearances for the French club since 2018.

Bretherton said: “I hope to take part in the return of Toulouse to the Super League. I am ready to work hard with the whole group for this new season.”

Hull KR duo head to the Championship

Hull KR youngsters Connor Moore and Dan Okoro will spend the 2023 season on loan at Championship club Newcastle Thunder.

Moore made his first team debut for the Robins in 2022, making three appearances in total. Okoro, meanwhile, recently made his international debut for Nigeria at the Middle East Africa Championship.

Birthdays

New Zealand and Widnes legend Kurt Sorensen turns 66 today (November 8).

Also celebrating; former Ireland coach Andy Kelly (62), former Leeds favourite Brent Webb (43), ex-Salford half-back Jack Littlejohn (31), Doncaster’s Papua New Guinean half-back Watson Boas (28) and Scotland international Rob Oakley (24).

Trivia

Australia and New Zealand are the only nations to win the Women’s Rugby League World Cup. The Kiwi Ferns won the first three tournaments (2000, 2003 & 2008), whilst the Jillaroos have won the last two (2013 & 2017).

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