Achilles problem makes Sculthorpe miss Rovers return

Sculthorpe is a doubtful starter for the Challenge Cup final in two weeks' time (GETTY IMAGES)

St Helens will again be without their captain, Paul Sculthorpe, for their opening Super League match at Hull KR on Sunday.

Sculthorpe was withdrawn from his own testimonial match last weekend in a bid to get him fit for the start of the season proper, but his Achilles' tendon injury is still inhibiting him.

"He just hasn't been able to get into a team session, so we're erring on the side of caution," said his coach, Daniel Anderson. "It could be next week or the week after."

Hull, badly hit by injuries before the season even starts, have taken the Leeds winger, Danny Williams, on a month's loan. Williams spent part of last season on loan to Castleford and goes straight into Hull's side for their opening fixture at Warrington on Friday with the regular wingers, Gareth Raynor and Matt Sing, both ruled out. Warrington have just two players missing for the match, but Stuart Reardon and Paul Wood could both be fit by next week.

The game's longest serving coach, the Brisbane Broncos Wayne Bennett, has told the club that he is leaving at the end of this season, a year ahead of schedule. Bennett, who has been with the Broncos for a record 21 years, is expected to join another NRL club for the 2009 season.

In the meantime, he is set to be involved in New Zealand's World Cup campaign. Bennett is understood to prefer a consultancy role, with the former Kiwi Test forward, Stephen Kearney, as the head coach.

The Rugby League, has confirmed that Ince Road Bridge will be in the draw for the next round of the Challenge Cup after their tie at Hunslet Old Boys was abandoned with them leading 28-6 with an hour played on Saturday. Four Hunslet players were sent off and the referee was attacked by a spectator.