RL Today: Wakefield wanted Hooley, Widnes suffer double blow & Salford forward targets England honours 

Josh McAllister
Luke Hooley, Super League, SWPix.

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

Wakefield wanted Luke Hooley

Leeds have knocked back an approach made by Wakefield for off-season recruit and full-back Luke Hooley. (Yorkshire Live)

Hooley, 24, joined the Rhinos from Batley ahead of 2023 on a two-year deal, but later suffered an ankle injury in pre-season training.

The Championship Grand Finalist recently made his comeback for the club’s reserves against Castleford.

Wakefield are currently without starting full-back Max Jowitt long-term due to injury.

Salford forward targets England honours

Salford forward Tyler Dupree has set his sights on international honours with England. (Yorkshire Live)

Dupree, 23, has enjoyed an impressive start to the 2023 season, having joined the Red Devils midway through the 2022 campaign from Widnes.

He told Examiner Live: “That’s the pinnacle of anyone’s career, making the England squad. I’m definitely working towards it. The World Cup in France is two years away but it’s starting now.”

Positive Tuimavave update

Hull boss Tony Smith is preparing to name captain Carlos Tuimavave in his 21-man squad to take on Leigh this Saturday. (Hull Daily Mail)

The 31-year-old centre is yet to feature in 2023 after recovering from a ruptured Achilles since last June. 

Liam Sutcliffe is back in contention, reported Hull Daily Mail. 

Huddersfield’s Connor on return

The Mirror’s Dave Craven recently caught up with Huddersfield’s Jake Connor, with the 28-year-old set for his first appearance of the year tonight against St Helens.

The England international made his return to the John Smith’s Stadium during the off-season from Hull on a three-year deal.

He has been sidelined for almost seven months following major knee surgery.

Albania attract big sponsors

Albania rugby league has attracted huge sponsors upon the start of their new season…

 

Widnes suffer double injury blow

Widnes have been dealt a double injury blow with both Jordan Johnstone and Lewis Hatton failing their head injury assessments in the defeat to Toulouse at home.

The pair will now follow a graded return and miss the fixture against Newcastle Thunder on Sunday. 

Birthdays

England captain and Catalans full-back Sam Tomkins turns 34 today (March 22).

Also celebrating: Ex-outside-back Michael Platt (39), Castleford’s Suaia Matagi (35), Wales international Morgan Evans (31), former Wests Tigers and Leigh utility Kyle Lovett (30), Jamaica’s Kadeem Williams (28) and former Wigan and Swinton centre Liam Forsyth (28).

Trivia

Great Britain rugby league captain Andy Farrell switched codes to union and signed for Saracens on this day, March 23, in 2005.

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Carlos Tuimavave Championship