Somewhat sneaking away quietly, many may not know that Joel Edwards has signed with the York City Knights.
The English club, who are on the rise in their respective English championship, view the signing as a huge coup.
“I’m delighted to bring Joel to York, pending RFL paperwork,” said James Ford, York head coach.
“He’s an incredibly talented footballer and someone who improves our squad at an important time in our season.”
Edwards, a former Newcastle Knights, Canberra Raiders and Wests Tigers forward, last played NRL in 2017.
After that, a move to French rugby league side the Limoux Grizzlies eventuated before this move to York.
Ford is looking forward to Edwards joining and getting stuck in at the club.
“I’d like to thank Jon [Flatman, Knights Chairman] for all his hard work in getting this deal over the line, as well as the fantastic fans and sponsors of the club who’ve made this happen,” the head coach continued.
“I’m looking forward to Joel linking up with the rest of the squad and making a positive contribution as soon as possible.”
Just recently, the Leeds Rhinos confirmed his departure and today, the Sydney Roosters have confirmed the signing of Ryan Hall.
Ryan Hall, a prodigious scorer and winger for both Leeds and England in recent years, has signed a 2-year deal at the Roosters.
On the back of 327 games for Leeds since his 2007 debut and 231 tries in that time, he comes with a scoring pedigree.
Having previously admitted to wanting to play NRL, the Roosters are happy to give Hall that opportunity.
“Ryan has expressed a desire to test himself in the NRL, and we are pleased to have secured his services,” Roosters Recruitment Manager Adam Hartigan said.
“A natural finisher blessed with size, speed and strength, we believe that Ryan will be a terrific fit within our squad and we look forward to welcoming him to the Club later this year.”
After a brief Wests Tigers stint, Tui Lolohea will take his abilities to England after signing with the Leeds Rhinos.
What made his decision easier was having previously played at Headingley, when he was a part of the New Zealand Kiwis side in 2015.
“I have always remembered that game back in 2015 when I played at Emerald Headingley with the Kiwis,” the utility back said.
“The singing and support for the Leeds boys was amazing and I can’t wait to play for those supporters.
In the end, the passion of the fans stuck with him and that prompted his decision to sign for Leeds.
“That game was Kylie Leuluai’s farewell game for the club and I remember the warmth and passion the supporters had for him and the team, that was special,” Lolohea continued.
“People talk about the passion that the English fans have for the game but I had seen it for myself and it was definitely a factor when I was thinking about who to sign for.”
Although he is a long way from home, the move excites Lolohea and he wants to take the chance presented to him.
“I am really excited, it is a long way from home but a different challenge for me and something I am looking forward to,” Lolohea said.
“I want to be part of the Rhinos team and I can hopefully bring my energy to the game over there.
“It will be very different for me and a new way of life.
I am still really young and this is a big journey for me and I want to make the most of my career and my time in England.”
With the move now sorted, Lolohea’s sights are focused on finishing his 2018 season with the Tigers strongly.
“I have had a couple of injuries this year that have held me back at bit but I am looking forward to finishing the season strongly with the Tigers and then making the most of the opportunity to come over to Super League,” added Lolohea.
Recently appointed Director of Rugby Kevin Sinfield praised the signing and knows Lolohea will be a good addition to the side.
“I have seen Kevin play for a number of years and admired him,” Sinfield said.
“The professional level that he brought to his whole playing career is going to be massive for the whole team.
I am looking forward to being part of his team.”
In a brief statement released by the Wests Tigers, the club thanked Lolohea for his service to the club and wish him well upon his departure at season’s end.
He was linked to NRL clubs but it is a Super League that has snared the signature of Blake Austin, with the Canberra Raiders utility joining the Warrington Wolves.
The three-year deal will begin for the 2019 season and during his time at the Raiders, Austin has had his ups and downs.
Joining the club in 2015, he immediately impressed and went on to win the 2015 Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year Award.
Since then, he has, at times, struggled to replicate that form, eventually leading to his moving in and out of first-grade.
Despite those inconsistencies, Austin praised the Raiders for the last four years he has spent at the club.
“I’d like to thank Ricky, Don and the club for presenting me and my family with the opportunities they have over the past four years,” Austin said.
“Thanks to my team mates and the Canberra members and fans for embracing me as one of their own.”
Although the move is confirmed, the Raiders are still in the finals hunt and Austin wants to play at his best to help them make it.
“I hope to be remembered as a guy that gave his all in green,” the utility continued.
“I look forward to playing the best footy I can for the remainder of the 2018 season.”
The Wolves are pleased to have signed someone of his calibre, and he is a player that coach Steve Price has watched closely.
“I’ve watched Blake closely for a number of years over in the NRL and he’s a guy who, when you come to review the opposition, your game plan heavily revolves around which says a lot about the type of player he is,” the former NRL coach said.
Price continued with his praise for Austin, highlighting specific areas of his game.
“He has an outstanding running game and is always a threat with the ball in his hand,” continued Price.
“He’s a big body so hard to handle with electric footwork.
“I feel he is going to be a quality signing for our club and I’m excited to be able to work with Blake next year.”
With his move now confirmed, Austin is excited to experience the English culture and the Super League come 2019.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Warrington Wolves,” Austin said.
“No-one I’ve spoken to has had a bad word to say about the club.
“I’m stoked I get the chance to come over in what I believe can be the best years of my footy career, and not a cameo at the tail end of my career.”
Austin is looking forward to embracing his English experience and playing alongside his new team-mates.
“My partner and I have always wanted to experience England and the Super League, and can’t wait to embrace the Wolves and everything Warrington has to offer,” Austin continued.
“I look forward to working with Pricey and all the boys, with the goal of delivering silverware to the club.”
After a few seasons with the Parramatta Eels, Suaia Matagi will depart and head to England and join the Huddersfield Giants.
Coached by former NRL player Simon Woolford, he was after a player with size, grunt and power.
“I was looking for some real grunt and aggression in the front row and Suaia will bring that and a whole heap more,” Woolford said.
“The fans will love his action packed style and he is a man that won’t take a backward step and he relishes the tough stuff up front.”
With more than 100 NRL games to his name, the Kiwi and Samoan international brings a wealth of experience to the Giants.
“We have a number of relatively younger front rowers in Dickinson, Smith and English who will benefit enormously from having a man like Suaia around them at training,” Woolford continued.
“On the pitch, his presence will bring confidence and leadership to the forward group.”
Matagi is pleased at the new adventure and looks forward to donning the Giants colours.
“I am extremely excited to take my football to the next level under the leadership of Coach Simon Woolford and I’m also looking forward to the challenge of playing in the English Super League,” Matagi said.
“Joining a proud Club like the Huddersfield Giants is a privilege and I will represent our fans to the best of my ability.”
Despite a late fightback from Samoa, the Mate Ma’a Tonga side has won a quality Pacific Test clash.
The second game of a doubleheader at Campbelltown Stadium, Tonga won 38-22 in an entertaining affair.
It was a dominating first-half performance as six tries in 24 minutes proved to be the icing on the cake for Tonga.
It was Samoan prop James Gavet who scored the first try of the game but it was all Tonga after that.
First, Siliva Havili burrowed his way over from dummy half to score.
This was followed by a try to half Ata Hingano after Jason Taumalolo kept the ball alive.
Will Hopoate then showed his quick hands to assist in a try for Konrad Hurrell to make the score 16-6.
The onslaught continued, as Robert Jennings kicked ahead, regathered and scored a try of his own.
Hopoate then got himself on the scoresheet, zooming past Mason Lino to score.
The Tongan fullback was again involved, this time sending winger Daniel Tupou over.
There were injury concerns for both sides; Sam Kasiano left the field with a knee injury.
Manu Ma’u left the field for a HIA but is believed to have suffered a depressed fracture of the cheekbone.
Tonga’s momentum continued in the second half as Junior Tatola muscled his way over.
Samoa may have been out but they were not down as they dug deep to claw some points back.
Tim Lafai and Tyrone May scored back-to-back Samoan tries.
Former Tongan winger Jorge Taufua, now playing for Samoa, scored another Samoan try.
Though a late penalty goal for Tonga put to bed any chance of a comeback for Samoa.
After an impressive display, Tongan coach Kristian Woolf had a message to the governing bodies and the Kangaroos.
We are ready for you and we want to face the very best.
“There’s been a lot of talk about a game at the end of the year against Australia and that’s something we are really pushing as hard as we can to make happen,” Woolf said.
“I’ve got to give Mal Meninga a wrap.
“Every time I’ve spoken to him and the first conversation to get the ball rolling there was with Mal.
“He jumped at it straight away and it’s certainly something that he’s right behind and wants to make happen.”
Those sentiments were echoed by captain Hopoate who believes the Tongan players would relish the chance.
“I think the boys would relish the challenge,” Hopoate said.
“They are obviously the best in the world at the moment and we want to test ourselves and see how we go with the likes of your Inglis’s and the All Stars that are playing in the Origin arena.”
Despite a tough period for the Samoan side in recent times, coach Matt Parish wants to stick around.
“I’m committed to here, I look forward to these camps more than they do,” Parish said.
“They’re terrific, different, and I’m proud of where we came from in 2013 to now and where the game has come from.
“You look at the contest that was here today and the game that was in Hamilton last year in the World Cup.
“They’ve been tight, tough entertaining tussles that could’ve gone either way.”
After a long tenure with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Jason Clark will make the move to England and play for the Warrington Wolves.
The move was made official with Clark signing a 2-year deal with the English Super League side.
Clark was the first captain of the Rabbitohs NYC side back in 2008 and made his NRL debut in 2009.
Since then, he has played all of his 157 games for the cardinal and myrtle of the Rabbitohs.
Although he is excited at what lies ahead, Clark is focused on the rest of the season with the Rabbitohs.
“I’m glad to have my contract organised with Warrington and I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my career over in England, but first we have a job to finish here at Souths,” Clark said.
“The past 11 seasons have been a young boy’s dream come true.
“All I’ve done is wear the red and green, and following discussions with Steve Price, Simon Moran and Karl Fitzpatrick, I’ll be able to extend my career in the primrose and blue of Warrington.”
Clark likened the history of Warrington to Souths and looks forward to playing alongside former team-mate Bryson Goodwin.
“Warrington is a similar club to us here at Souths,” Clark continued.
“They have a long and rich history which is something that attracted me to the Club.
“I’ll also be able to team up with (former Rabbitohs team mate) Bryson Goodwin and his family which is exciting for me, my wife Lauren and my three daughters Milla, Andi and Billie.”
Clark also thanked Souths, all the staff and the fans for everything they have done for him during his time at the club.
“I can’t thank everyone connected with the Club enough for the opportunities I have been given to play for this team,” the veteran utility said.
“I want to thank all of my team mates, coaches, the staff and management, sponsors and of course our brilliant Members for all of their support over the years, including everyone from Souths Juniors and those who helped me become an NRL footballer.
It means so much to me and my family.”
Such has been the loyalty of Clark and the admiration by fans; he will be welcome back to take up a role once his playing career is done.
“Jason has been simply an outstanding club man, always giving his best and always with a smile on his face,” said Souths General Manager of Football, Shane Richardson.
“He will be welcomed back to the Club in some capacity in the future when he finishes his playing career.
“Warrington is a great club and they have signed a quality player and human being.”
With the Wolves keen on building a strong culture, club coach Steve Price believes Clark embodies that style.
“Having coached against Jason for a number of years, he typifies what we are building here at our club,” said Price.
“He’s a grand final winner and understands what a winning culture is.
He is selfless; everything is about the team on and off the field.”
With rugby league very much a team game, his relationships with team-mates drew the Wolves towards him.
“He understands hard work and it’s players like Jason who help to make a team a success,” continued Price.
“He’s the type of player who players love playing with and Sam Burgess recently classed him as one of his greatest ever team mates.
Price then went on to talk about and praise Clark’s on-field ability.
“There’s a lot to his game as he has ball-playing ability and an offload in there too,” said Price.
“We feel he can bring us something different and he’s a first-class guy to go with it.
We are very pleased to have signed Jason to our club from next season and he’s going to be a great acquisition.”
Ryan Sutton will be the latest Englishman to try his hand in the NRL, as the Wigan Warriors prop joins the Canberra Raiders on a 2-year deal.
The deal will commence in 2019 and with the forward keen to test himself in the NRL, the Raiders are excited to have him.
“Ryan is a tremendous young talent who I know was looking for an opportunity to test himself in the NRL,” Canberra Raiders Recruitment and High-Performance Director Peter Mulholland said.
“We’re thrilled to have been able to get him into our squad for the next two seasons.
“He’s been in tremendous form for Wigan this season and we’re looking forward to him having a big pre-season with the Raiders and making the move into the NRL.”
A Super League grand final winner in 2016, Wigan are sad to see him go but did not want to stand in Sutton’s way.
“It is disappointing to lose a player who we have helped develop through our academy and someone who we believe can and will improve in the future,” Wigan Executive Director Kris Radlinski said.
“That said, a Rugby League player only has a short career and Ryan has given five seasons of great service to Wigan.
“Ryan made this decision a long time ago and has been transparent throughout this process.
He made no secret of his desire to play in Australia.
There were actually no negotiations, Ryan knew that he wanted NRL and stuck firm to that.”
A Wigan local, Sutton admits that leaving will be hard but he wants to test himself at the NRL level.
“Being a young lad from Wigan it was a tough decision to make to leave my hometown club but I’ve always wanted to try my hand in the NRL and this was a great opportunity for me,” said Sutton.
“I’m grateful to all of the coaching staff and players that have helped me develop not just as a player but as a person too.
“I am still a Wigan player this year and I am hungry to leave with more silverware and will give 100% in everything I do until my departure.”
After failing a drugs test in the lead-up to the 2017 Super League grand final, Zak Hardaker has been given a 14-month ban.
Suspended by Castleford after failing the test in September, he was then sacked by the club in February.
The indiscretion also ruled Hardaker out for selection for England at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
“UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) today confirmed Zak Hardaker has been suspended from all sport for 14 months following an Anti-Doping Rule Violation,” England’s governing body in rugby league said in a statement.
Hardaker tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine and is suspended from all sports until November 8.
His legal team praised the professionalism of the tribunal in reaching a decision they felt suits the indiscretion.
“We believe the correct verdict has been returned and we would like to thank the tribunal for their professionalism,” Hardaker’s legal team said.
“This was a truly exceptional case, where the drug use was never linked to performance enhancement.
“In this regard, Zak would never take any substance to achieve an unfair advantage and we are pleased that the decision of the tribunal has recognised this fact.”
His legal team also asked for privacy as Hardaker recovers from some personal traumas in addition to the ban.
“The last two years have been an extremely difficult period for Zak who, away from the public eye, has bravely battled a number of personal traumas,” continued his legal representative.
“Zak has asked for privacy at this time but thanked his family and close friends for helping him through this difficult period.”
