RL News: Radley on ‘scrap’ in England camp, Bateman lands at new club and Farnworth secures move

Below is a round-up of all the latest news from the world of rugby league over the last 24 hours.

Rovers roll Devils to go top

Hull KR made it two wins from two to open a Super League season for the first time since 2007 and we’ve picked out the highlights and totted up the player rankings. Salford’s head coach Paul Rowley was understandably disappointed and had plenty to say about his side’s “immature” and “silly” mistakes.

Friday Night team news

We’re treated to three games tonight and as such there’s three sets of squad news to digest. Wigan are at full strength to host Wakefield, Huddersfield get under way against Warrington and the Smith family clash is at Headingley with one star signing set to make his first appearance.

Three missing Saints as bookies back Tigers

St Helens travel to the Jungle on Sunday but they’ll be without their leader James Roby who is one of three key stars that will miss their Super League opener. That squad news has seen the bookies slash prices on the World Club Champions.

Noble slams Aussie media

Brian Noble has come out in a scathing statement regarding the way in which the Australian media have reacted to St Helens’ World Club Challenge victory. The three-time WCC winning head coach claims “plaudits should be still flowing”.

Bateman finally lands down under

John Bateman’s transfer saga seems to have come to an end with the former Wigan Warrior having finally landed in Australia. His move had been delayed due to visa issues but he’s now in the country, and could even feature in round one.

World Cup semi-final star signs with Dolphins

Herbie Farnworth has confirmed his future for 2024 and beyond and whilst he’s staying in the city of Brisbane he isn’t staying with the Broncos. The talented centre has played over 50 games in the NRL and will take his talents to Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins for 2024.

England enforcer ‘did right thing in scrap’

Victor Radley has spoken with Australian media detailing the alleged incident between himself and Irish international James Bentley. The Sydney Rooster has affirmed he felt he did what was right. He’s also reportedly signed a new deal to stay with the side until 2027.

“Plans in place to rectify” Wakefield’s pitch

The reaction from last Friday’s matchup between Wakefield and Catalans was more focused on the effects of the pitch, rather than what transpired on it. Catalans’ players were outraged with the skin injuries it caused and had “alerted” the RFL, but it’s now been revealed that Trinity have plans to address the issues.

Championship round four predictions

There’s seven more games of Championship action this weekend and some major clashes including 2022 playoff sides York Knights hosting a Barrow side looking for their first win. We’ve predicted the seven games and detailed the kick-off times and TV schedule.

Bulls bolstered with Rhinos duo

Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos have utilised their dual-registration with the Super League side sending two players to the Bulls, both of whom have been named in Mark Dunning’s squad for the weekend.

Two Super League sides send duos out on dual-reg

Both Salford and Hull FC have seen two of their young talents depart and take up a role in the Championship on loan, with the Super League sides utilising their dual-registration deals. Newcastle Thunder have benefited courtesy of FC, whilst winless Barrow are aided by two Red Devils.

Phil Gould congratulates Saints

Australian pundit Phil Gould has eaten humble pie and given St Helens their due in a classy statement that was part of Sky Sports’ coverage on Thursday night. That comes with the revelation from Paul Wellens that many Australians told him his side had “no chance” against the two-time consecutive premiers Penrith.

Championship star’s “life-threatening” freak injury

Featherstone Rovers’ Craig Hall is set to be on the side-lines for a short spell and it’s all down to a freak injury he sustained during a try celebration. In a statement shared to his testimonial Twitter page he’s revealed just how dangerous it could have been.

Leigh Leopard heads to Love Island

Keanan Brand is set to follow in the footsteps of former Castleford Tiger Jacques O’Neill as he heads into the Love Island villa. The Leopards’ owner Derek Beaumont has since spoken about Brand’s switch towards reality TV.