Hauraki's charge for Rhinos halted

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Leeds' new signing Weller Hauraki is hoping to be disentangled from red tape in time to make his debut against his former club on Friday. The Rhinos are playing Crusaders at Wrexham, but the second-rower from New Zealand will be merely an interested spectator unless he receives his new visa.

Although he played last season for the north Wales club, he needs new paperwork because of his transfer and, two months after he applied, it still has not arrived. "It has been frustrating, but I'm planning on being at the Rhinos for a long time, so I don't mind waiting a bit longer to make my debut," Hauraki said. "I'm fit and ready to go."

Karl Pryce and Joe Mellor have been reassured they still have a future with Wigan, despite being loaned out to Harlequins. Pryce, the biggest back in Super League, and the reserve half-back Mellor have initially been lent for a month.