Broncos keep faith with Williams after drug test 'refusal'

The London Broncos are standing by Danny Williams, the Australian forward who faces charges from the Rugby League after allegedly refusing to take a drug test.

The London Broncos are standing by Danny Williams, the Australian forward who faces charges from the Rugby League after allegedly refusing to take a drug test.

Williams finds himself in Rio Ferdinand territory before playing a game for the Broncos. He is still serving an 18-match ban for striking an opponent while playing for Melbourne Storm last season and is unavailable until 28 March.

But the Broncos are not planning to wash their hands of him. "We are going to support Danny," said the Broncos' chief executive Nic Cartwright. "There is an explanation; it's just a question of whether it can be presented."

The Broncos have a number of off-field worries when they should be basking in the glow of their best Super League win - 72-8 over previously unbeaten Wakefield on Sunday.

The League is still not allowing them to register the New Zealand international Vinnie Anderson, because of their finances, and their televised match at home to Wigan on 12 March could be postponed if their landlords, Brentford, win their FA Cup replay against Southampton tonight. Brentford would then be at home to Manchester United that weekend and the Wigan match may be moved back 24 hours.

Gareth Hock is likely to be missing from the Wigan side for the immediate future after suffering knee ligament damage against Bradford on Friday.

"It's such a shame for the lad, because he has been in sensational form," said the Wigan coach Denis Betts, who could also be without Terry Newton, Danny Sculthorpe and Bob Beswick for Sunday's game at Widnes, who have had better news, as Shane Millard did not break his jaw as feared in Widnes' defeat at Leeds.

Warrington could be without three players for Friday's fixture against St Helens. Mark Hilton damaged a shoulder at Hull while Nat Wood and Paul Noone have knee injuries.

The Leigh forward Richard Moore has been told he has no case to answer after being placed on report against Salford.