Kiwis lose Lomu to shoulder operation

New Zealand have lost another forward from their squad on tour in Britain, with the Sydney Roosters' prop, Andrew Lomu, staying at home for an operation. "Andrew saw his club doctor and has been advised to have an operation on his shoulder," said the Kiwis' spokesman, John Hutchinson, who added that there were no immediate plans to replace him. "We won't panic and will probably wait to see how we are after the Hull game on Tuesday."

The Kiwis are now down to three specialist props, increasing the likelihood of them calling up Joe Vagana from Bradford. His club captain, Robbie Paul, who is due to join up with the tour party after their Super League Grand Final against St Helens tomorrow, hopes to agree a long-term contract to end his career with the Bulls.

Paul, aged 26 and with Bradford since his teens, has a year of his current contract to run. "I hope to see out my career here," he said. "I'd really like that. When you find yourself happy at a place and they're happy with you, you hope you'd be able to work something out."

Bradford and Saints will name their Grand Final teams today, with Paul set to line up directly opposite Paul Sculthorpe, who agreed a deal to keep him at Knowsley Road until 2007 this week.

The Wigan and Great Britain hooker, Terry Newton, ruled out of the Test series for a knee operation, has been given a conditional discharge for 12 months after pleading guilty to public disorder at Manchester Crown Court.

Promoted Huddersfield have signed the Newcastle Knights utility player, Julian Bailey, but have released three members of their Northern Ford Premiership-winning squad, Heath Cruickshank, Chris Molyneux and Andy Rice.

Castleford have signed the second-row forward, Jamie Thackray, from Halifax on a two-year deal, while Paul Wood has agreed a one-year extension with Warrington. Thackray, who began his career at Hunslet, becomes the latest player to leave Halifax as they try to reduce their costs for next season.

The Australian Aboriginal side have arrived in England for a six-match tour, which starts against Lancashire's best amateurs at Rochdale on Sunday. The tourists will also play two Tests against BARLA, at Wigan and Batley.