GRAND FINAL HERO BACK AT RHINOS TO INSPIRE COACHING SUCCESS
Leeds Rhinos have appointed 2012 Grand Final winner Shaun Lunt as a reserves coach. The former England hooker will assist Chev Walker, helping to develop the next generation of stars at Headingley.
Shaun Lunt celebrates during the 2012 Grand Final - COURTESY/PHOTO
One of the Grand Final winners has rejoined the Leeds Rhinos as a coach.
Shaun Lunt, a former England hooker who played for the Rhinos twice, will support reserves manager Chev Walker in the upcoming campaign. Lunt played a part in Leeds' 2012 Super League title retention victory over Warrington Wolves at Old Trafford.
He was loaned to the Rhinos from the Huddersfield Giants for that season. He returned seven years later in a trade that saw Matt Parcell join Hull KR. The 38-year-old Cumbrian played for Workington Town, Batley Bulldogs, and Castleford Tigers before starting his professional career.
Having coached the Pennine League team Mirfield, Lunt said on social media that he is "unbelievably thrilled" to be helping Walker. "It is really an enormous honour to return to Leeds and assist with the next generation of players," he continued.
This year, Walker led the Rhinos' reserves to a Grand Final victory and the top spot on the standings. In addition, he oversaw the academy, which finished second in both the league and the championship match. Walker will continue to lead the second-string, and Simon Brown, a former Leeds player, will take over as the under-18s coach for the upcoming campaign.
ANTHONY JOSHUA’S FUTURE CLARIFIED —EDDIE HEARN TACKLES THREE BIG RUMOURS
Anthony Joshua's next move is unclear as promoter Eddie Hearn addresses trainer change rumours, a potential Jake Paul fight, and a possible 2025 return. The focus remains on a future Tyson Fury mega-fight.
Anthony Joshua is preparing to return to boxing - Photo Credit: Getty Images
The boxing community is speculating about Anthony Joshua's future move.
The former world heavyweight champion has not competed since Daniel Dubois knocked him out at Wembley Stadium a year ago.
However, he is considering a comeback to the ring and laying the groundwork for a big battle with Tyson Fury.
He has a number of interesting alternatives on the table, but it is unclear what he will do next. Three rumours regarding Joshua's potential next move were dispelled by his promoter, Eddie Hearn.
Is Joshua going to get a new trainer?
Joshua's last three fights, which ended in a knockout loss against Dubois, were coached by Ben Davison.
However, he just travelled to Spain to attend the training camp where his previous opponent, the undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, is getting ready.
However, that does not imply that Joshua will turn to Usyk's inner group for advice.
When asked if Joshua would split from Davison by Matchroom's Flash Knockdown, Hearn said, "I do not think there is any confirmed decision on that."
"AJ travels the world a lot, as you are aware. He enjoys exploring, going to training camps, and learning new things.
"He is currently engaged in that activity.
It is commonly known that he visited the Usyk team and collaborated with them.
"I do not believe anything is official. And Anthony Joshua will be the one to make an official announcement.
Will Joshua and Jake Paul face off?
Jake Paul, a YouTuber who is now a boxer, has brazenly added Joshua to his list of opponents.
Paul has previously told ESPN, "That is the most hazardous fight for me right now."
The disparity in size is striking. Joshua weighed 52 pounds more than Paul, who had battled at 200 pounds.
But Hearn has set the stage for an incredible battle versus Paul.
"Why not run out versus Jake Paul for a lot of money if we are going to have a run-out fight?" he said. Discussions are going on.
"I am unable to confirm that we have seen a contract or that it is close. However, I do not see why we would not have the opportunity to fight Joshua if he truly wants to.
"A run for the world heavyweight title and at Tyson Fury are our main priorities. However, we also do not influence that. Hearn further stated:
"Talks with Jake Paul's team have taken place."I am not sure if that is a possibility.
In 2025, will Joshua compete on short notice?
Due to the difficulty of organising a fight of Joshua's calibre, turnarounds with little notice are practically impossible.
However, Hearn's statement to DAZN that Joshua may still compete in 2025 generated controversy.
The diary's entries for the dates of December 6, 13, 17, 20, and 27 were the focus of attention.
Joshua has the opportunity to realise his dream of fighting on the African continent when Craig Richards and Dan Azeez square off in Ghana on December 17.
Hearn gave an update, saying, "I am not sure if he will fight in 2025. The likelihood that he can is high. However, when I say that, people ask, 'where' and begin to examine every possible location.
"He is looking to fight and has begun training camp. That may happen in February, versus Jake Paul, or on one of our current concerts, but at this point, anything is possible."
Regarding his earlier remark that Joshua might fight this year, Hearn stated: "It has really caused me a lot of issues! They are speculating as to whether it is Ghana, Birmingham, or Stockton. "I do not know," is the response.
"There are negotiations regarding a hypothetical Anthony Joshua fight in Africa in 2026," Hearn added.
FIA CONFIRMS UNUSUAL MULTIPLE PIT LANE GRID FOR SãO PAULO GP
Max Verstappen and Esteban Ocon will start the São Paulo GP from the pit lane after taking new power unit components. Verstappen's full PU change follows his shock Q1 exit in a desperate points bid.
Max Verstappen and Esteban Ocon's pit lane start is officially confirmed - Photo Credit: Getty Images
For the São Paulo Grand Prix, the FIA has announced that two drivers will start from the pits.
After the four-time Formula One champion failed to go past the first qualifying round and started from 16th on the grid, it was widely expected that Red Bull would give Max Verstappen a new power unit for the 71-lap race at Interlagos.
Verstappen's failure to escape on pure pace alone is only the second time in his 228-race Formula One career. All six of the others had to do with power units.
After Red Bull took "risks" in setting up his vehicle, which, according to team principal Laurent Mekies, dramatically backfired, Verstappen struggled with handling and grip with his RB21.
Red Bull has replaced all of the parts in Verstappen's power unit in an attempt to push him into the points and give him a chance to challenge McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for the drivers' championship.
The FIA has confirmed that Verstappen has a new internal combustion engine, turbocharger, MGU-H, MGU-K, energy store, and control electronics. Because each of these components exceeds the season's allotted amount, he will start from the pits.
A new exhaust is also available; it is the seventh of eight permitted for a year.
Esteban Ocon of Haas, who qualified 17th, will be in the pit lane behind Verstappen. Haas has just given the French driver a new internal combustion engine, in contrast to Verstappen.
A pit lane start is guaranteed because this is Ocon's fifth ICE and only four are permitted.