RL Today: Tedesco wanted Radley for Australia & Fiji star to Super League?

Drew Darbyshire
James Tedesco on Victor Radley

Tedesco wanted Radley for Australia

Australia captain James Tedesco says he would’ve liked to have played alongside England’s Victor Radley at the World Cup – not against him! (Sky Sports)

Radley was born and raised in Australia but qualifies to play for England through his father, who hails from Sheffield.

Tedesco told Sky Sports: “I was disappointed, I wanted him to play for us! Nah, I’m happy for Rads. I’m really close with Victor and his dad is a proud Englishman, and I know he would want to represent him well. I would have loved for him to be in an Australian jersey, there’s no doubt he’s one of the top players in his position in the NRL. Hopefully we get to play against him! I’ve never played against him, for all the time I’ve been at the Roosters he’s been there so I’ll look forward to it if I get that chance.”

Fiji star to Super League?

Fiji half-back Brandon Wakeham says he is keen to explore options in Super League ahead of next season. (Yorkshire Live)

The Canterbury Bulldogs playmaker, 23, has been made available to Super League clubs. Speaking to Yorkshire Live, Wakeham said: “Anything is an option for me. I’ve got no contract at the moment for next year so everything is on the table. I’d be happy to stay in Australia or come over here.”

Myler’s Irish pride

Leeds full-back Richie Myler says he will honour his late grandfather by representing Ireland at the World Cup. (Leeds Live)

Myler told Leeds Live: “My mum’s dad was Irish and, when I told her I was going to play for Ireland at the World Cup, she cried. I didn’t think it would provoke such an emotional response from my mum, but my grandad, Joseph, was a very proud Irishman.”

Dwyer’s farewell to Leeds

Departing Leeds hooker Brad Dwyer says he has loved every minute of his time at Headingley. (Yorkshire Evening Post)

The 29-year-old has left the Rhinos upon the expiry of his contract and will join Hull ahead of next season. Dwyer told the YEP: “It is a fast-flowing game and a fast-flowing career and you are on to your next job. But my overriding emotion is just gratitude, to have been here for five years.

Radford on Samoa role

Castleford coach Lee Radford has admitted he couldn’t turn down the chance to work with star-studded Samoa at the World Cup. (Yorkshire Live)

Radford told Yorkshire Live: “Within seconds of putting the phone down, I’d decided it would be a great opportunity. And when I saw the schedule and the squad Matt (Parish) was planning on picking, I knew it was a no-brainer of a decision.”

Super Leigh recruitment

Leigh head of rugby Chris Chester says the Centurions will enter Super League in a stronger position than they have ever been before. (Leigh Journal)

Chester told Leigh Journal: “We have got some exceptional Australian talent and alongside that in the coming weeks, maybe next week, we will be announcing some exceptional English talent as well.”

Birthdays

Great Britain, Ireland and Wigan legend Terry O’Connor turns 51 today (October 13).

Also celebrating; ex-London Broncos forward Solomon Haumono (47), former Great Britain international Stuart Reardon (41), Jamaica international Jy-mel Coleman (34), New South Wales representative Ryan Matterson (28) and former Hull winger Callum Lancaster (26).

Trivia

Great Britain won the first-ever Rugby League World Cup in 1954, with the tournament hosted in France.

More World Cup content

England confirm squad numbers for World Cup

Rob Burrow to kick off Rugby League World Cup opening ceremony

Offaly proud: Ged Corcoran “pinching himself” at leading Ireland in World Cup

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