Paper Talk: Super League’s dark horses & Wire forward wants to make a statement

James Gordon
Rugby league paper talk joseph leilua

Brian Noble has started prediction season early in the latest edition of rugby league paper talk, while a Warrington forward is keen to make a statement on the field.

Noble backs Castleford

Brian Noble has backed Castleford to go under the radar in Super League this season following the appointment of Lee Radford as coach.

Writing in his Forty-20 magazine column, Noble said: “Looking at those who are having a wholesale revamp of their squads, I reckon Cas have gone under the radar a little bit.

“They are the dark horses for me, and when you look at Kenny Edwards and Joe Westermanin linking up with Liam Watts, I’m thinking it could be an even tougher day at the office there. Add two massive wingers from Hull, Faraimo and Fonua, who’ll have a point to prove and Paul McShane coming back, Radders has his formula for success”.

Hill wants Huddersfield success

Chris Hill has unfinished business in Super League as he prepares to start a pre-season with a new club for the first time in more than 10 years. (Yorkshire Post)

The new Huddersfield Giant will be a key leadership figure in their forward pack, helping support the development of the club’s younger players.

He said: “I’ve still got a burning ambition to achieve something: I want to do that with Huddersfield. I can’t wait.”

GIANTS: Ian Watson provides Huddersfield squad update ahead of pre-season

Captain candidates for Hull

After Hull coach Brett Hodgson revealed he will be ditching their captaincy team for a sole skipper in 2022, Hull Live has looked at some candidates.

New signing Luke Gale, long-serving club captain Danny Houghton and prop Scott Taylor are among their suggestions.

Folau’s World Cup hope

Disgraced former Catalans centre Israel Folau could feature at the 2023 Rugby (Union) World Cup. (Fox Sports)

After walking out on his deal in south of France, the controversial Australian is reportedly making a return to the 15-man code with a deal in Japan.

And a change in eligibility rules could see him feature for Tonga at the World Cup.

Magoulias keen to impress

New Warrington recruit Billy Magoulias wants to return to the NRL in the future. (Daily Telegraph)

Wolves fans will be hopeful he doesn’t follow the same path tread by some previous recruits from Down Under, who forced early exits from their deal.

He said: “I would like to make a statement with Warrington, and then hopefully return to the NRL at some stage.

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