RL Today: Will Hopoate set to return & praise for Kai Pearce-Paul
Will Hopoate set to return for St Helens
St Helens Head Coach Kristian Woolf has said Will Hopoate will return ahead of this week’s clash against Hull KR. (St Helens Star).
Woolf told St Helens Star: “Will Hopoate will be available and he trained really well and comfortably today and we will figure out where he comes in.”
Abbas Miski in line for Wigan debut
Wigan Head Coach Matt Peet has said winger Abbas Miski could be in line for his first game with Wigan against Toulouse on Saturday. (Wigan Today).
Peet told Wigan Today: “We are really excited about it, he deserves it. He’s been flawless since he came into the club, very professional, and is one of those players we are looking forward to giving their debut to.”
Shaun Wane praises Kai Pearce-Paul
England Head Coach Shaun Wane has praised Wigan forward Kai Pearce-Paul after selecting him in his latest train-on squad. (Manchester Evening News).
Wane told Manchester Evening News:”He’s very strong, has a great offload and he gives us something else. As time has gone by he’s become a very good defender too and I can see him playing Test match rugby. That’s why he’s in there. If he keeps going the way he is, it’ll be hard not to pick him.”
Caleb Aekins’ Welsh dream
Leigh Centurions full-back Caleb Aekins says he would love to make his family proud by representing Wales at this year’s World Cup. (Love Rugby League).
“My mum’s Welsh,” Aekins told Love Rugby League. “I went over to Wales when I was around 10 to spend some time over there. I actually went back over to Wales last week.”
Disciplinary latest
Salford full-back Ryan Brierley was the only player facing a tribunal this week. He challenged a one-match penalty notice for Dangerous Contact during their win over Hull.
Ryan Brierley: Ryan Brierley cleared to face Huddersfield after ban overturned
Russia barred from international competition
The International Rugby League Federation have announced Russia have been barred from all competition until further notice.
Russia: International Rugby League bans Russia from competition
Birthdays
Former Salford and Leeds centre Robert Ackerman turns 61 today. (2nd March).
Also celebrating; former Hull FC winger Matthew Daylight (48), former Catalans and Toulouse forward Mathieu Griffi (39) and Featherstone half-back Tom Holmes (26).
Trivia
Abbas Miski scored 18 tries in 21 games for London in 2021.
Read More: Kristian Woolf on the impact of Joey Lussick