BRAMLEY'S RAY ASHTON GIVEN BAN FOR HEAD BUTTING INCIDENT

Rugby League

Ray Ashton, the Bramley player-coach, has been banned for two matches for a head-butting incident during his side's 26-20 home win against Barrow 10 days ago.

Julian O'Neill, the 23-year-old Brisbane Broncos' full-back, was released by the club yesterday following a number of well-publicised off- field incidents. Another Super League team, the Sydney Bulldogs are being named as favourites to sign him for the 1996 season.