RL Today: Sean Long feeling no pressure at Featherstone & Wigan can challenge St Helens
Sean Long feeling no pressure at Featherstone
New Featherstone Rovers boss Sean Long is feeling no pressure ahead of his inaugural season in charge of the Championship club. (Mirror)
Sean Long, 46, left Leeds during the off-season to take on the new role, his first head coaching position since retiring. He reunites with Leon Pryce at the club, having both played together at St Helens.
He takes over from Brian McDermott, who left the club following their semi-final defeat to Batley last season.
Wigan can challenge St Helens says King
New Wigan recruit Toby King believes his new side can challenge St Helens in 2023. (Yorkshire Live)
He told Yorkshire Live: “I think it’s time for us and other teams to step up and really challenge Saints because they’re definitely beatable.”
The centre joins the Warriors on a 12-month loan deal from Warrington.
Scott Murrell on Castleford opportunity
Scott Murell insists he is “living the dream” following his appointment to Castleford’s full-time coaching team. (Yorkshire Post)
The former Hull KR, Halifax and Keighley playmaker retired at the end of 2022, helping the Cougars to promotion to the Championship.
He joins Lee Radford’s coaching staff and will take charge of the side’s reserves in 2023.
Huddersfield hit season ticket milestone
Huddersfield have sold more than 3,500 season tickets for their 2023 Super League campaign.
The side have labelled the accomplishment a “major milestone” with nine new signings amongst the attractions at the John Smith’s Stadium this year.
“I’d expect to start the season around 20% up on numbers from last year which is excellent progress,” said managing director Richard Thewlis.
Former Wakefield youngster makes Championship move
Former Wakefield youngster Mac Walsh has joined Newcastle Thunder in the Championship for the 2023 campaign.
Having been a part of the Super League side’s academy system, the centre took a break from the sport to focus on his education at Newcastle University.
The centre was later invited to training by Thunder head coach Chris Thorman before signing a one-year contract.
Catalans continue pre-season preparations in Spain
Catalans Dragons continue their pre-season preparations with a training camp in Spain.
Birthdays
Former Wales international and ex-Huddersfield, Salford, Swinton, Widnes, Workington, Hull KR and Bradford forward Phil Joseph turns 38 today (January 10)
Also celebrating; Former NRL and Super League outside-back Ben Pomeroy (39), England international Michael McIlorum (35), South Sydney Rabbitohs half-back Cody Walker (33), North Queensland’s Chad Townsend (32), Hull centre Carlos Tuimavave (31), Warrington full-back Matt Dufty (27), Penrith’s Dylan Edwards (27) and outside-back Patrick Herbert (26).
Trivia
England have only faced Scotland once on the international stage – in the 2016 Four Nations. England won 38-12 in Coventry.
Super League features
St Helens recruit Wesley Bruines reveals epic rugby league path involving Sam Burgess