Rugby League World Cup news with Jason Taumalolo revelation, Kiwi test series, England headaches
The Rugby League World Cup begins on Saturday with England taking on Samoa at St James' Park in Newcastle. Jason Taumalolo's revelation and the Kiwi test series are the big stories of the evening.
Jason Taumalolo wants to play in Super League. He is contracted to North Queensland Cowboys until 2027. Taalololo will play for Tonga at Rugby League World Cup. He has played professionally for a decade. His body is getting older but he still acts like a 12-year-old. The big plus of playing in the Super league is the travel. It's something on his bucket list.
Warrington Wolves make Ellis Longstaff available for loan for the entire 2023 season. Longstern played for Hull FC this year. He played against France 'B' and Scotland. He scored six tries in 10 games.
Australia have named their side to play Fiji in their Rugby League World Cup opener on Saturday night. The Kangaroos take on the Bati at Headingley, home of Leeds Rhinos. Mal Meninga hasn't included any players from Penrith Panthers or Parramatta Eels.
Australia team to play Fiji: James Tedesco, Josh Addo-Carr, Latrell Mitchell, Valentine Holmes, Murray Taulagi, Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Ben Hunt, Jake Trbojevic, Angus Crichton, Jeremiah Nanai, Jack Wighton.
Samoa are favourites to beat England in the Rugby League World Cup on Saturday afternoon. Samoa's head coach Matt Parish is playing the game with his under-dog tag. The inspiration for Samoa comes from Tonga, who made the 2017 World cup semi-final, losing to England 20-18 in Auckland.
Michael Maguire wants New Zealand to play England in 2023. The RFL is planning a series of games in the Autumn. New Zealander last toured England back in 2018. The Kiwis won the series 2-1. England won by the same margin in 2015. Rugby League Live revealed last month that the Rfl had drawn up plans for a string of matches next Autumn as part of long-term plans to increase international games.
Huddersfield Giants are in talks with former hooker Nathan Peats about a sensational return to the club. Ian Watson's side have acted quickly to secure a replacement for Samoan star Danny Levi, who was granted a release on Monday to take up a two-year deal with Canberra Raiders.
Holders Australia are favourites to retain their crown and win the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. New Zealand are second favourites at 10/3, Samoa third at 9/1 and England are 16/2 outsiders. The tournament starts on November 19 at Old Trafford. England lost to New Zealander Tonga in the semi-finals five years ago.
Shaun Wane will name his team for the Rugby League World Cup tomorrow. He has some medical issues with a couple of players. England play Samoa in the tournament opener on Saturday afternoon. Jason Taumalolo has been named in a Kiwi test series.
Shaun Wane has prepared his England squad on how to use the captain's challenge ahead of their World Cup opener on Saturday. It's a concept seen in the NRL, but not in Super League. Samoa has an advantage in that regard. Elliott Whitehead has used the challenge throughout 2022 while captain of club side Canberra Raiders. He will try to help his team-mates in a game that will effectively decide who wins Group A and has a supposed easier route to the final at Old Trafford.
