RL Today: Sironen attracts NRL interest & Leigh keen on Wigan utility
Photo: David Neilson/SWpix
NRL interest in Sironen
St Helens forward Curtis Sironen has attracted interest from the NRL following his stellar display in the World Club Challenge. (Fox Sports)
The 29-year-old is contracted to the world champions until the end of this season. Sironen attracted the attention of a “couple” of NRL clubs on the back of the World Club Challenge, according to Fox Sports.
Sironen made 130 appearances in the NRL for Wests Tigers and Manly between 2012-21 prior to his move to England.
The Australian forward has played 25 games for Saints since he arrived ahead of last season.
Leigh eye Wigan utility
Wigan forward Joe Shorrocks is on the verge of joining Super League neighbours Leigh on loan. (Yorkshire Live)
The 23-year-old, who can play hooker, loose forward or centre, has played 55 games for the Warriors since his debut in 2019.
Shorrocks is set to make a short-term loan to Leigh, according to Yorkshire Live.
Mature Cogger
Jack Cogger believes he is going back to the NRL a better player after his stint with Huddersfield in Super League. (The West Australian)
The 25-year-old has returned to the NRL on a one-year deal with Penrith Panthers following two seasons in Super League with Huddersfield.
Cogger told The West Australian: “I always in the back of my head knew I wanted to come back. I’d like to think. I’m a better player now.
“I am a lot better, more mature. And I would like to think when the opportunity comes up I will be able to do that for the Panthers.”
Bateman arrives at Wests Tigers
England international John Bateman arrived at Wests Tigers on Friday following his move from Wigan.
The 29-year-old forward, who has penned a four-year deal with the Tigers, has landed in time for Sunday’s opening game of the season against Gold Coast Titans.
Hey Wests Tigers Fans 🚨 Bateman has landed 🛬🐯 https://t.co/lxeJLROO8E #WestsTigers #showyourstripes
— Wests Tigers (@WestsTigers) February 24, 2023
Wakefield favourites go head to head
Two former Wakefield favourites came up against each other at the weekend!
David Fifita’s Entrance Tigers took on Tinirau Arona’s Wentworthville Magpies, and it was Fifita who got the bragging rights!
Former Tonga international Fifita and Cook Islands international Arona spent seven seasons at Wakefield, leaving Belle Vue at the end of 2022.
Strange this, but honoured to share the field again with this specimen!! @t_arona Abit different to @WTrinityRL jersey!! But good to be home and finally play in front of family! FYI I WON 😂😂😂 good luck for season braz pic.twitter.com/RRX99BxlDm
— David fifita (@david_fifita_) February 25, 2023
Dolphins sign Origin forward
The Dolphins have continued to bolster their pack with the signing of State of Origin prop Thomas Flegler on a four-year deal from 2024.
In 2024, Flegler will join his Brisbane team-mate Herbie Farnworth at the Dolphins, with the latter signing a three-year deal.
Flegler, 23, has already made more than 70 appearances for the Broncos. He has represented Queensland in State of Origin as well as the Australian Under-23s.
Birthdays
St Helens head coach Paul Wellens turns 43 today (Febuary 27).
Also celebrating; ex-Australia international Scott Prince (43), Wigan’s Irish legend Pat Richards (41), former Australia international Brett Stewart (38), Featherstone forward Elijah Taylor (33), Hull prop Scott Taylor (32), Barrow winger Ryan Shaw (31), Scotland international Will Oakes (24) and Lebanon international Brad Morkos (20).
Trivia
Liam Marshall scored four tries in Wigan’s 60-0 win over Wakefield on Friday night. His fourth was also his 100th for his hometown club, who he has made 124 appearances for.