Bradford to keep Hape until 2008

Bradford have extended the contract of their New Zealand centre Shontayne Hape, keeping him at the club until the end of 2008.

The 23-year-old, one of the players that Bradford will be looking to in Saturday's Super League play-off against Hull, has formed a potent left-sided combination with Lesley Vainikolo.

"Shontayne is quite simply a world-class player," said the Bulls coach, Brian Noble.

"His best football is in front of him and I'm delighted that it will be played here."

Hape, who was already under contract for next season, missed the first half of this season with injury and Bradford's resurgence has coincided with his return.

"They have been good to me during my injury and helped me immensely," Hape said.

Paul McNicholas and Sione Faumuina have been added to the Hull squad following the victory over Warrington in their first play-off. Faumuina injured his shoulder in the first game of his short-term loan from the New Zealand Warriors, but has been fit to train this week.

Super League players could be tested at home under a new drug-testing regime. In future, all players must tell UK Sport, the testing agency, where they will be for one hour a day, five days a week. "I hope this sends out a strong message to anyone who could be tempted to cheat," said the Rugby League's executive chairman, Richard Lewis.

One of the most famous names in the game is back on Leeds' books. Courtney Hanley, the 13-year-old nephew of Ellery Hanley, has joined the Rhinos under their scholarship scheme.

Huddersfield have announced that, unlike a number of other clubs, they are to stick with Sunday afternoon as their regular time for playing Super League games next season. Bradford are the latest to switch to Friday nights, but the Giants believe that Sundays are better for families.