RL Today: Wales to face Cumbria & Salford add Welsh duo to first team

Drew Darbyshire
Will Evans Wales World Cup PA

Wales to face Cumbria

Kyle Amor confirmed at his testimonial dinner on Saturday night that he will be part of the Cumbria team to face Wales in Whitehaven on Saturday, October 21.

The Welsh will use the game as part of their preparations for the European Championship this autumn.

Salford add Welsh duo to first team

Salford have rewarded young Welsh pair Joe Coope-Franklin and Billy Walkley with first team squad numbers for the upcoming Super League season.

The pair have progressed through the club’s partnership with Coleg y Cymoedd and the Wales Rugby League Academy.

Centre Coope-Franklin and full-back Walkley will wear numbers 29 and 30 respectively.

 

Kasiano confident in Warrington

New recruit Sam Kasiano believes Warrington have all the ingredients to be a much better side than what they were last season. (Warrington Guardian)

The powerhouse prop told the Warrington Guardian: “Last year is last year. We’re a new team and we’re ready to go. I think I’ve still got some good footy left in me and hopefully I can show it over these two years. I’ll give it a good crack and I’d like to win something. I think we can with this group here so fingers crossed.”

Leeds injury update

New recruit James McDonnell limped off the field during their 24-10 win over neighbours Bradford in a pre-season friendly yesterday. (Leeds Live)

However, Leeds assistant coach Chev Walker said after the game it was nothing to worry about. He told Leeds Live: “Yeah, fine, just a precaution really, I don’t think there’s a major issue there. He could have come on and played again.”

Walker also confirmed new signing Derrell Olpherts was a late withdrawal through illness.

Bradford wait on PNG star

Papua New Guinea international Keven Appo will make his move to Bradford as soon as his visa application is complete. (The Telegraph & Argus)

The 23-year-old forward starred for the Kumuls during the World Cup last year.

Bulls coach Mark Dunning told The Telegraph & Argus: “He’s got his bags in one hand and just waiting for the other to be filled with a piece of paper and then he’s on his way.”

Pre-season round-up

There were a number of pre-season friendlies at the weekend, including Super League, Championship and League 1 clubs. Here are the results:

Mark Percival testimonial: St Helens 16-12 Widnes

Whitehaven 4-38 Castleford

Barrow 26-14 Wigan

Hunslet 12-20 Batley

Sheffield 36-24 Doncaster

Wakefield 24-12 Featherstone

Law Cup: Oldham 18-14 Rochdale

Leeds 24-10 Bradford

Salford 26-22 Swinton

Birthdays

Former New Zealand international and Bradford favourite Shontayne Hape turns 42 today (January 30).

Also celebrating; former Hull forward Mark Minichiello (41), ex-France international William Barthau (33), former NRL hooker Andrew McCullough (33), former Wakefield forward Chris Annakin (32), ex-Samoa international Matthew Wright (32), new Salford signing Ben Hellewell (31), Cook Islands international Makahesi Makatoa (30), Jamaica international Izaac Farrell (25), Keighley recruit Brad Walker (25) and England international Kelsey Gentles (24).

Trivia

Lebanon legend Hazem El Masri holds the record for most points scored in an NRL season. He scored 342 points for Canterbury Bulldogs in 2004.

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