RL Today: Victor the Inflictor, Jamaica blow & one in, one out at Leeds?

Drew Darbyshire
Victor Radley Sydney Roosters England PA

Victor the Inflictor

England World Cup hopeful Victor Radley was in the wars for the Roosters yesterday. He split his head open in the first half before doing it again! Rugby league players are a different breed.

Jamaica blow

Rugby League World Cup debutants Jamaica have been dealt an injury blow, with half-back Izaac Farrell being ruled out for the rest of 2022.

The Sheffield Eagles half-back has suffered an ACL injury. Farrell who was due to line-up alongside his brother Joel for Jamaica at the upcoming World Cup.

Eagles director of rugby Mark Aston said: “He was aiming for a strong end to the season ahead of the World Cup campaign and it’s a crying shame that now won’t happen for him.”

REGGAE WARRIORS: How Jamaica could line-up at the World Cup

Leeds eye Championship star

Batley full-back Luke Hooley is attracting plenty of interest from Super League giants Leeds. (Leeds Live)

The 23-year-old, who is off-contract at the end of the year, met with Rhinos coach Rohan Smith last week, according to Leeds Live.

Reynolds to Bulldogs?

Former Hull half-back Josh Reynolds has reportedly signed for NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs for 2023. (Fox Sports)

The 33-year-old has signed a one-year deal with his former club Canterbury, according to Fox Sports. Reynolds made 138 appearances for the Bulldogs between 2011-17.

However, Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould poured cold water on the reports when addressing the speculation on Twitter.

 

Hull confirm departure

Hull coach Brett Hodgson has confirmed that hooker Jordan Johnstone will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season (Hull Live)

The 25-year-old will return to Championship club Widnes in 2023, according to Hull Live. Hodgson said: “Both the player and the club contributed in a way that was best for JJ’s future. That was him going to a club to get regular game-time.”

Castleford keen on Leeds forward

Castleford are close to signing young forward Muizz Mustapha from neighbours Leeds for next season. (Leeds Live)

The Nigeria-born forward is out of contract with the Rhinos at the end of the season and has not been offered a new deal. Castleford are keen on securing his services for 2023, according to Leeds Live.

Birthdays

France and Catalans Dragons legend Thomas Bosc turns 39 today (August 5).

Also celebrating; former Great Britain international Kevin Ward (65), ex-New Zealand international Steve Matai (38), former Ireland full-back Shannon McDonnell (35), Tonga powerhouse Konrad Hurrell (31), Hull KR forward Dean Hadley (30), Keighley’s Italy international Brenden Santi (29), Huddersfield half-back Jack Cogger (25) and Lebanon World Cup hopeful Adam Doueihi (24).

Trivia

Wigan superstar Bevan French will make his 100th career appearance if he plays against Warrington tonight. Meanwhile, England’s George Williams will play his 250th career game if he returns for the Wolves.

PODCAST: Alex Walmsley on turning down NRL, World Cup pressure & John Kear influence

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