Rugby League: Speculation ends as Harris stays at Leeds

IESTYN HARRIS is ready to pledge his future to Leeds, putting an end to speculation that he is to switch codes to play rugby union for Wales. Harris has been the target of a pounds 1m swoop from the Welsh Rugby Union, but is poised today to agree an extension to the two years remaining on his contract. The announcement will be a huge relief for Leeds and for the Welsh league side, for whom Harris will be a key man in next year's World Cup.

Although Harris was born in Oldham, his family has retained its strong Welsh roots and he has expressed a wish to play union for Wales. To strike a deal that will keep him at Headingley is therefore a coup for the club.

In a significant move in the opposite direction, Wakefield Trinity will this morning sign the Wasps wing or full-back, Paul Sampson. The move marks a return home for the 22-year-old, who was born in Wakefield.

St Helens have secured a work permit for the Auckland Warriors second rower, Bryan Henare, who will join them for next season, while the Bradford Bulls, the side Saints beat in last year's Super League Grand Final, have re-signed their Great Britain prop, Brian McDermott.

The new London Broncos coach, John Monie, has turned down the chance to sign Bobbie Goulding, who is searching for a new club after being shown the door at Huddersfield.