Friendly option ruled out

Rugby League

Rugby League

Super League clubs in Australia have called off plans for exhibition matches with which they had hoped to fill the vaccuum left by the legal block on their competition starting this weekend, writes Dave Hadfield.

The planned start of Super League was wrecked by a court judgment on Tuesday, but some clubs, including the leading lights, Brisbane and Canberra, had set up high-profile friendlies instead. But Super League's backers, News Ltd, have urged the players not to take part before they and the Australian go back to court next Wednesday, while Brisbane City Council was also warned that it could be in contempt of court if it provided a venue for the Brisbane against Canberra game.

The in Britain has begun talks with the BBC over how the Challenge Cup can be fitted into future summer seasons.

Sheffield Eagles have denied that they are to leave their home at the Don Valley Stadium to ground-share with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Oldham have signed another Australian, the South Sydney and former Canterbury centre, Andrew Patmore, to play alongside their recent signing from Balmain, Matt Munro.