RL Today: Simm new club, RFL investigation & Hastings on the move

Drew Darbyshire
Josh Simm

Josh Simm in action for St Helens

Simm new club

Former St Helens outside-back Josh Simm has made the move to Australia ahead of next season.

The 21-year-old was one of several departures from St Helens at the end of last season. He has joined Wynnum Manly Seagulls, who play in the Queensland Cup.

Simm scored seven tries in 19 appearances for Saints, including a memorable hat-trick against Leeds in 2020.

Initially coming through as a centre, all but one of his eight appearances in the red-vee were on the wing in 2021. He also featured five times on loan at Hull FC.

RFL investigation

Rugby League World Cup organisers are investigating an alleged incident involving England star Victor Radley and Ireland international James Bentley in Manchester on Sunday night. (The Sydney Morning Herald)

According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, Radley, who plays for Sydney Roosters, was involved in an altercation with Leeds player Bentley at the hotel where England were staying after their shock exit to Samoa the previous day.

The report further alleged that Samoa’s players, who were staying at the same venue, were woken up by people knocking on their hotel room doors, with unnamed England players apparently the culprits.

A spokesman for the Rugby Football League confirmed: “The RFL have been made aware of allegations and are currently investigating the matter.”

Hastings on the move

Wests Tigers half-back Jackson Hastings is reportedly on the verge of joining Newcastle Knights.

9News sports reporter Danny Weidler has reported that Hastings has agreed to a three-year deal with the Knights, with prop David Klemmer going the other way.

Former Man of Steel Hastings returned to the NRL ahead of the 2022 season after spending four years in Super League with Salford and Wigan.

Huddersfield duo join Bradford on loan

Championship club Bradford have signed young duo George Roby and Fenton Rogers from Super League side Huddersfield on season-long loan deals.

Hooker George Roby, 20, joins the Bulls on the back of a successful 2022 season with Swinton. He helped the Lions win promotion to the Championship and was voted the League 1 Young Player of the Year.

Prop Rogers, 19, has experience of playing in the Championship with Oldham as well as a stint in League 1 with Rochdale.

Briers in Brisbane

Former Wigan assistant coach Lee Briers has started work in his new role as development coach at NRL giants Brisbane Broncos.

Speaking of his appointment back in August, Briers said: “It’s come out of the blue. I’ve always had an ambition to go to Australia to test myself and an opportunity has arisen to go to the NRL.”

 

SBW congratulates Samoa

Dual-code legend Sonny Bill Williams has congratulated Samoa on reaching their first-ever Rugby League World Cup final.

A drop goal from Stephen Crichton secured a 27-26 win over tournament hosts England at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Auckland-born Williams played for New Zealand in rugby league and rugby union. He is of Samoan heritage through his father.

Birthdays

Australia, New South Wales and Balmain legend Benny Elias, who was born in Lebanon, turns 59 today (November 15).

Also celebrating; ex-Samoa international Tangi Ropati (38), Castleford forward Joe Westerman (33), Swinton forward Mitch Cox (30), Parramatta Eels forward Bryce Cartwright (28), Barrow hooker Josh Wood (27) and St Helens youngster Shay Martyn (20).

Trivia

Australia and Samoa have only ever played each other twice in a World Cup. The Kangaroos won 66-10 in 2000 and 46-0 in 2017, with both games being in the quarter-finals.

Thanks to Rugby League Record Keepers’ Club

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