RL Today: Penrith's Samoa stars, Martin prediction & Williams backed

Jarome Luai, Izack Tago, Stephen Crichton, Spencer Leniu and Brian To’o are likely to play for Samoa at the World Cup. Penrith Panthers won the NRL Premiership for the second year in a row yesterday. They beat Parramatta Eels 28-12 in front of a sold-out 82,000-strong crowd at Stadium Australia in Sydney. Charlie Staines has withdrawn from the tournament as he is expecting a baby.

Frankie Halton is proud to represent Ireland at his first World Cup. He qualifies to play for Ireland through his mother's side of the family.

Papua New Guinea international Rhyse Martin reckons there could be a different winner at the World Cup this year.

Hull centre Mitieli Vulikijapani has been called up to the Fiji national side ahead of the World Cup. Joe Lovodua and Kane Evans won't play a part for Fiji at this autumn's tournament. Rochdale forward Joe Taira is poised to make his international debut for the team against England at Salford on Friday.

Soni Luke has been selected in Kristian Woolf's Tonga squad for the World Cup. The hooker made his international debut for Tongan in mid-season defeat to New Zealand.

George Williams has had his critics this year but he stands up on the bigger occasions. Jamie Peacock believes we will see the best of him at the World Cup for England.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy turns 63 today (October 4). Also celebrating are former NRL coach Anthony Seibold (48), ex-Castleford winger Waine Pryce (41), former Featherstone utility Tommy Saxton (39), Kevin Penny (35), Adam Walne (32), Maika Sivo (29), Jaxson Paulo (23), and France’s rising star César Rougé (20).

2023 will be Leigh's fourth season in Super League. Leigh have played in 2005, 2017 and 2021, suffering relegation in all three seasons.