Rugby League Today: Players on trial, internationals, friendly fixtures

Drew Darbyshire

In this edition of Rugby League Today, we have got the latest on club news, transfers and a couple of fine exclusives.  

What’s on the site

New Zealand Warriors have confirmed the signing of ex-Wigan Warriors star Anthony Gelling on a one-year deal.

St Helens have been forced to move their pre-season friendly against Sheffield to the 450-capacity Ruskin Sports Village in the town.

Featherstone Rovers have signed former Wigan and Leigh forward Gareth Hock on a one-year deal.

Former Leeds and Hull full-back Jordan Tansey has joined Championship side Sheffield Eagles on trial.

Catalans Dragons have revealed their squad numbers for the 2018 season.

What’s in the papers

Castleford Tigers back Ben Roberts has told the Daily Star that the club will still shine without star man Zak Hardaker.

2017 Man of Steel runner-up, Hardaker, was tested positive after a drugs test days before their Grand Final last season but Roberts thinks the team can do just as well this year without Hardaker, who is expected to receive a two-year ban. Roberts told Daily Star: “He played a big part in our success last year but we have always prided ourselves on doing well as a team as a whole.”

In an interview with the Mirror, Ireland captain Liam Finn has called for international Rugby League to give smaller nations a fair crack.

Ireland won two out of their three games in the World Cup last year but just missed out on a place in the quarter-finals. The team still don’t know when their next game is though.

He told the Mirror: “England have announced 12 months in advance that they’re playing a three-match Test series with New Zealand, and even that’s not long enough. At the same time we have a provisional European Cup but we don’t know anything about it. When are they going to tell us, when can we start planning for it, and how can we expect Super League players to play in it if we don’t even know what we’re doing yet? We need a meaningful fixture list organised three or four years in advance.”

The Sun report that Widnes Vikings and Rugby League fans have raised almost £15,000 for the family of Kato Ottio, who tragically passed away last week.

The Papua New Guinea ace will also be honoured in a wall of fame at the Select Security Stadium.

What’s on social media

We were at the Wigan Warriors media day earlier at the Haigh Hall Hotel. A nice location, a nice venue and a nice atmosphere. Wigan fans, you’re in for a treat, lots of content based on the Warriors coming over the next couple of weeks!

Leigh Centurions are holding an open training session for fans this Thursday, between 11:30am and 1pm! A good opportunity for any Rugby League fans in the area.

Widnes Vikings’ Women’s team are hosting a trial day on Monday 22 January, 6pm-7pm! A good chance to compete in the 2018 Women’s Super League.

What’s on radio

Rugby League on Radio Yorkshire

Radioyorkshire.co.uk, 6-8pm

Features Ben Roberts