RL Today: Westerman’s England ambitions & NRL to America?

The opening game of the 2023 NRL season could take place in Los Angeles, whilst Joe Westerman has spoken of his ambitions to play for England this year.

NRL to America?

The NRL has revived talks to stage their season opener in 2023 in Los Angelas, USA. (The Sydney Morning Herald)

The NRL’s opening game of the season between South Sydney Rabbitohs and Manly Sea Eagles could be staged in LA next year, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

Fages: Huddersfield can fight for trophies

Huddersfield half-back Theo Fages believes the Giants can challenge for trophies alongside his former club St Helens. (Mirror)

Fages told the Mirror: “We can fight for trophies this year and the next few years will be even better for us.”

St Helens debutant hailed

St Helens coach Kristian Woolf was full of praise for debutant James Bell following his stellar display on Good Friday against Wigan (St Helens Star)

Woolf told the St Helens Star: “We threw him into a bit of a foreign position in the biggest game of the year and with the crowd, and everything in the game, there was a lot of pressure on him.”

Westerman’s England ambitions

Castleford forward Joe Westerman says it would be a dream come true to play for England in the World Cup.

The 32-year-old played for England against the Combined Nations All Stars last season, and wants to win more England caps under Shaun Wane.

He told Love Rugby League: “I think he’s shown that if you play well, you get picked. He spoke to me and pretty much said that and he’s a truthful man. I don’t know what he thought of me but he picked me and I was grateful for that.

“There are some good players out there, Morgan Knowles is a great player and he’s playing well as well so if I get picked, it is a dream come true and it is what every lad wants to do. That will take care of itself, what I’ve got to do is focus on being consistent.”

Milestone man Tony Smith

Hull KR boss Tony Smith will take charge of his 500th game as a Super League coach on Easter Monday. (The Yorkshire Post)

Smith told The Yorkshire Post: “I’ve been really lucky to be involved for so long and to be part of some great clubs as well as coaching the national team. It’s been a real honour.”

Featherstone’s statement of intent

Ambitious Championship leaders Featherstone have made another huge signing with the capture of former Toulouse playmaker Johnathon Ford.

The 32-year-old had been without a club since leaving the French side on the eve of their first ever Super League season, and will link up with Brian McDermott’s promotion favourites at Post Office Road in the next fortnight.

Birthdays

Toulouse prop Mitch Garbutt turns 33 today (April 18).

Also celebrating; ex-Leigh and Bradford player Jason Donohue (50) and Cronulla Sharks full-back Will Kennedy (25).

Trivia

St Helens have won their last nine meetings with rivals Wigan.

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