Rugby League: Bradford relinquish leadership and record: Wigan take over at the top after victory at Salford

BRADFORD NORTHERN lost the leadership of the Championship together with their 100 per cent record when they were beaten 16-12 by Hull Kingston Rovers yesterday.

After five successive wins, Bradford managed a 6-4 lead at half- time, but Rovers took command in the second-half with tries from Chris Harrison and his second-row partner, Andy Thompson.

Wigan took over at the top after a 24-2 win at Salford. Frano Botica's 16 points, which included two tries, took him past 500 goals for the club.

Hull rallied to force a 22-22 draw at Headingley against Leeds who led 18-10 at the interval after scoring four tries. However, Hull finished the stronger with their Australian centre James Grant transforming the game by scoring two tries in the second half.

Two superb tries from amateur trialist Paul Brown helped Wakefield Trinity to to a 30-20 win over Sheffield - their first victory since 12 September.

Great Britain will today name 19 players for the first Test against New Zealand on 16 October. The main areas for debate are at prop, where Denis Betts or Karl Fairbank, normally second rowers, could move, and the wings, where it seems that Jonathan Davies should be included for his kicking.