Tony Clubb goes into coaching, Hampshire future & superhuman Sinfield

Drew Darbyshire
Tony Clubb

Tony Clubb goes into coaching

Former Wigan prop Tony Clubb has joined the coaching staff at community club Ince Rose Bridge.

The 34-year-old retired from playing at the end of last season. Clubb made more than 300 career appearances for London Broncos and Wigan. He also won four caps for England.

Ryan Hampshire future

Former Wakefield full-back or half-back Ryan Hampshire has provided an update on his future after confirming club discussions. (Yorkshire Live)

The 26-year-old is currently a free agent after leaving Trinity at the end of last season. Hampshire told Yorkshire Live: “Super League is the only level I want to be at. I just believe that Ryan Hampshire at his best is just as good as any of the competition’s full-backs. I’m content within myself at the minute and I’m using my extra time off wisely. Obviously, I want something to come up and if it does then that’s great but I’m not going to just take something that does not make sense towards my ability and goals.”

SQUAD: How huddersfield could line-up in 2022

John Bateman family ties

England international John Bateman is eager to play Australia one year ahead of the World Cup. (Mirror)

There will be divided loyalties in Bateman household next year. Australian girlfriend Amy is expecting their first child together! In conversation with the Mirror, Bateman laughed: “Don’t even get me started, we’ve already had arguments about it! By the time the World Cup comes around we’ll have had the little one – my Mrs thinks they’ll be wearing an Australia shirt because of her side of the family, but she has another thing coming I’ll tell you that.”

Concussion-detecting mouthguards

The Rugby Football League has approved concussion-detecting mouthguards across rugby league. (The Guardian)

The guards were trialled by Leeds Rhinos this year. They will be introduced to the wider game next season. Professor Ben Jones told The Guardian: “The guards measure head acceleration profile and track impact to the head and rotational force.”

Superhuman Kevin Sinfield

Kevin Sinfield is ready to go into a ‘dark place’ during his epic 101 mile running challenge in support of his old friend and former team-mate Rob Burrow. (The Sun)

Sinfield told The Sun: “We’re going into a pretty dark place. We’re not sure what nasty things await us but we’re prepared to go in there. He (Burrow) thinks that’s hilarious, which is great.”

SIGNING: Leigh snap up Tonga star Ata Hingano

Union star heads to Leeds

England rugby union international Marcus Smith wants to train with Leeds to help “toughen up” his game. (The Yorkshire Post)

Leeds assistant coach Sean Long told The Yorkshire Post: “It’s not that he wants to change codes or anything; he just wants to look at the challenges of rugby league compared to rugby union as he is always wanting to improve. Marcus told me he wants to come up and toughen up a bit.”

Follow Love Rugby League on Instagram

Birthdays

Former Papua New Guinea international Charlie Wabo turns 37 today (November 19).

Trivia

The 2021 Rugby League World Cup final takes place one year today at Old Trafford (4pm).

READ MORE: List of Rugby League World Cup 2021 fixtures – date-by-date by tournament

Features Australia