Philbin’s comeback
Warrington forward Joe Philbin was over the moon to play in his first game in almost nine months on Friday night.
The England and Ireland international suffered an ACL injury last June. On Friday, he helped the Wolves maintain their winnng start to the season as they beat Leigh 38-20 at home.
Philbin said: “I felt like a kid coming in for my debut this week. When I was walking in to the stadium the nerves were there and I was excited. I’ve always appreciated the game but when you’ve had such a long lay-off, it makes you appreciate it even more.”
Oushhhhhh that felt good. Been a long 9 months but buzzing to play with this team again and do what I love🐺🐺 what an atmosphere man 🔥 5/5 ☑️ @WarringtonRLFC pic.twitter.com/LX1tXzLzg9
— Philbs (@philbss) March 17, 2023
Widdop backs Last
Castleford half-back Gareth Widdop has backed interim coach Andy Last to land the role on a permanent basis. (Yorkshire Live)
Widdop told Yorkshire Live: “Lasty has been really good since he took over. Obviously he’s got a lot of experience in coaching now and was with England at the end of last year during the World Cup. I’m sure the club is in good hands with Andy and will make a decision soon, but he’s certainly been good so far.”
Will you marry me?
An amateur rugby league player went viral after proposing to his partner during a game! This is a brilliant watch…
France overpower Serbia
In the women’s international scene, the more experienced French women’s side posted 20 tries to beat Serbia 116-0 in Avignon in the first meeting of the nations.
Centres Laureanne Biville with four touchdowns and Cloe Gullierot who claimed a hat trick led the way, while Mahault Pommier kicked 18 goals. The hosts led 52-0 at the break and maintained their total dominance after the interval.
France coach Romain Maillot said: “I am very happy with the performance. The game plan was to be focused on us because it is a new team and we got a great response. We now face England in over a month and that will be a very big test for us, but we are looking forward to going into camp to prepare for it.”
Celebrations in Greece
Greece’s debut at the Rugby League World Cup last year is having a lasting impact!
Below are the scenes after AEK Athens beat Aris Eagles 24-20 in the Grand Final of the West Division of the nation’s official domestic competition.
Scenes at Full-time!!! 🇬🇷🏆@aek_official 2️⃣4️⃣➖2️⃣0️⃣ @EaglesAris pic.twitter.com/ggE25gDgIP
— Greek Rugby League Federation (@GreekRL) March 18, 2023
In the East championship, the Rhodes Knights were crowned Grand Final winners after beating Attica Rhinos 36-20.
Thewlis blow
Warrington winger Josh Thewlis won’t be available to play in Friday’s match at Castleford. (Warrington Guardian)
The 20-year-old failed a head injury assessment in their 38-20 win over Leigh on Friday, so concussion protocol rules him out.
Warrington coach Daryl Powell told Warrington Guardian that Scotland international Matty Russell is poised to make his second debut for the club on Friday.
Birthdays
Former Tonga, Castleford, Hull and St Helens powerhouse Willie Manu turns 43 today (March 20).
Also celebrating; former Huddersfield star Jamahl Lolesi (42), ex-Australia international Carl Webb (42), New Zealand legend Adam Blair (37), ex-Hull KR hooker Keale Carlile (33), former Australia international Blake Ferguson (33), ex-Bradford forward Tom Olbison (32), Castleford forward Daniel Smith (30), St George Illawarra Dragons forward Jack Bird (28) and Australia star Emma Tonegato (28).
Sonny Fai and Kato Ottio would have had turned 35 and 29 today. RIP.
Trivia
Reigning Man of Steel Brodie Croft made his 100th career appearance in Salford’s 14-13 golden point win over Wakefield yesterday.
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