Bradford snap up prolific Ainscough

Bradford have confirmed the signing of Wigan's winger Shaun Ainscough on a one-year contract.

The 20-year-old has been a prolific try-scorer for his hometown team and on loan at Castleford and Widnes. "Anyone who saw him last week in the Carnegie Floodlit Nines will have been impressed by his ability to score from anywhere on the field," said the Bulls' chairman, Peter Hood.

Ainscough was player of the tournament at the Nines, scoring five tries to help Wigan to victory.

Bradford are also expected to complete the signing of the French Test captain, Olivier Elima, who has failed to reach agreement on a new contract with the Catalan Dragons. Elima is keen to return to England, where he has played previously with Castleford and Wakefield.

Better news for the Catalans is that the versatile Dane Carlaw, who has appeared for them everywhere from wing to prop, is staying on for another season.

Hull have denied making a move for their former player Anthony Thackeray, the half-back who has turned down new terms at Widnes.

The shortlist has been announced for the Albert Goldthorpe Rookie of the Year Award, which is to be handed out in two weeks' time. The five named are the Wigan back-row forward Liam Farrell, Ben Jones-Bishop, the Leeds full-back who has spent the season on loan to Harlequins, the St Helens utility back Jonny Lomax, and two more forwards, Larne Patrick of Huddersfield and Liam Watts of Hull KR.