A look back, in brief, at the rugby league stories that have made the headlines over the past week...

Willie Isa has committed his future to Wigan until the end of 2023 after signing a two-year contract extension.

Isa has made 168 appearances for the Warriors since joining from Widnes in 2016 and captained the side for the first time in a win over Catalans Dragons in September.

The 32-year-old second rower said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have a signed a new contract with this great club.

“There are exciting times ahead under the new coaching management for the club. I’m really looking forward to the season ahead.”

Jack Sinfield, the 17-year-old son of former Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield, has been handed a place in the Rhinos’ Super League squad for 2022.

Sinfield’s first squad number is 32, the number his father wore in his first season at Headingley in 1997.

Another player following in his father’s footsteps is Oli Field, the son of former Leeds and Wakefield prop Jamie Field who has been given shirt number 31.

Warrington Guardian: Muizz Mustapha. Picture: SWpix.comMuizz Mustapha. Picture: SWpix.com

There is also a place in Richard Agar’s senior squad for prop Muizz Mustapha, who spent last season on loan at Hull KR.

Scotland international Alex Walker has joined Championship Halifax on a train and trial basis following his departure from Wakefield.

Warrington Guardian: Alex Walker being tackled. Picture: SWpix.comAlex Walker being tackled. Picture: SWpix.com

The 26-year-old former London Broncos full-back ended the 2021 season on loan to Featherstone after being unable to hold down a regular spot with Trinity, who opted not to renew his contract.

Wigan have announced the signing of Australian half-back Cade Cust from Manly Sea Eagles.

The 23-year-old, who has signed a two-year deal with the option of a third season, will help plug the gap created by the departure of Jackson Hastings and can also play hooker.

The Sea Eagles have agreed to release Cust from his contract but will hold an option to re-sign him if he decides to return to the NRL.

Castleford are to give a three-month pre-season trial to Fijian winger Junior Vasuitoga, a serving soldier with 84 Medical Supply Squadron based in Hullavington near Chippenham.

The 26-year-old, who can also play centre and full-back, has played for the British Army and Sevens squads and says he wants to challenge himself at a professional level in either code.

“I said if its rugby league or rugby union, it doesn’t matter as long as it had that oval shape, I’d be happy with it,” he said.

Leigh Centurions have confirmed the signing of former NRL full-back Caleb Aekins who becomes the latest addition to the playing squad ahead of the 2022 Betfred Championship campaign.

Aekins, 23, played seven games for Canberra Raiders in the 2021 season after first making his NRL debut with Penrith Panthers in 2018.

New Zealand born of Welsh descent, Aekins is a member of the Wales train-on squad for the Rugby League World Cup.

Hull KR’s exciting half-back Mikey Lewis has signed an improved four-year contract that will keep him at Hull College Craven Park until the end of 2025.

Warrington Guardian: Mikey Lewis. Picture: PAMikey Lewis. Picture: PA

The 20-year-old is rewarded for a breakthrough season in 2021 that saw him score eight tries in 13 appearances as the Robins reached the Super League semi-finals and earn a call-up for England Knights.

Former Leeds forward Brett Delaney has joined Championship club York as assistant coach.

The 36-year-old Australian made over 200 appearances for the Rhinos and helped them to four Super League titles and two Challenge Cups in seven seasons before leaving the club three years ago.

Warrington Guardian: Brett Delaney. Picture: SWpix.comBrett Delaney. Picture: SWpix.com

Delaney says he fell out of love with the game after injury forced his retirement as a player but got the hunger back after coaching the Leeds academy and scholarship and also assisted former Rhinos coach Brian McDermott during a short spell with Oldham in 2021.

Super League newcomers Toulouse Olympique have signed goalkicking centre Chris Hankinson on a two-year deal following his release by Wigan.

Warrington Guardian: Chris Hankinson. Picture: PAChris Hankinson. Picture: PA

The 27-year-old joined Wigan from Swinton midway through 2018 but spent the 2021 season on loan to London Broncos and has been released from the last year of his contract.

Catalans Dragons’ rising star Arthur Mourgue has been given an improved two-year contract as reward for his breakthrough season.

Warrington Guardian: Arthur Mourgue. Picture: PAArthur Mourgue. Picture: PA

The 22-year-old half-back or full-back, who made his Super League debut in 2018, made 23 appearances in 2021 to help the Dragons win the League Leaders’ Shield and reach a maiden Grand Final.

Wakefield have announced the departure of out-of-contract former Wigan utility back Ryan Hampshire.

Warrington Guardian: Ryan Hampshire. Picture: SWpix.comRyan Hampshire. Picture: SWpix.com

The 26-year-old, who played for Castleford and Leigh after leaving Wigan in 2016, joined his home-town club ahead of the 2018 campaign and made 85 appearances in four seasons, scoring 28 tries and 129 goals.