Rugby League: Edwards escapes ban

Shaun Edwards has escaped without a ban after his sending-off at Leeds last week - which means that Giles Thomas will not make his full debut for the London Broncos at Salford tonight, writes Dave Hadfield.

Edwards was found guilty of aiming a forearm at an opponent but did not make contact. Thomas, a young recruit from rugby union in Worcester, would have started for the first time, with the transfer-listed Josh White out of favour.

The Bradford Bulls will collect the Stones Super League Championship trophy after their match against Paris at Odsal tonight.

The Leeds captain, Gary Mercer, has failed in his appeal against a five- match ban for a high tackle. With Adrian Morley injured, the loose forward prospect, Kevin Sinfield, gets into the first-team squad for the first time, against Sheffield.

The game has been reassured by Chris Smith, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, that it will have full access to the planned National Academy of Sport.