Johns retires from Tests

Great Britain will not have to worry about facing the world's best player in the Tri-Nations this autumn following Andrew Johns' announcement that he is to retire from representative rugby league.

Johns, who guested with Warrington at the end of last season, said that he hoped to be picked for Australia's Test against New Zealand in May, but would not be available for the State of Origin series or the international tournament which starts in October.

"If I'm picked for the Test, it will be my last representative game," said the scrum-half, who wants to restore Australia's standing after their defeat by New Zealand in last year's Tri-Nations. After that, Johns intends to focus on playing for his club, the Newcastle Knights, who finished last in the NRL last year and are unbeaten this season.

Leigh's prolific full-back, Neil Turley, has been forced to retire at the age of 25 because of a back condition.

Huddersfield's Australian back, Albert Torrens, is out for the rest of the season with a severe ligament tear. Torrens had scored five tries in seven matches.

Peter Hood has succeeded Chris Caisley as chairman of Bradford Bulls

Three players from the amateur club Widnes St Maries have been banned for between one and three games for their part in a brawl during their Challenge Cup tie against Barrow.