Bulls wait in the wings as Pratt bids for free agency

A Rugby League tribunal next Thursday will decide the future of Leeds' cast-off Great Britain winger, Karl Pratt. Pratt was told at the end of the season that he was not wanted at Headingley and the hearing will rule on whether he should become a free agent.

"There has been a breakdown in mutual trust," his solicitor, Richard Cramer, said. "If he is made a free agent, he will be able to pursue his career elsewhere." Bradford are interested in Pratt, and Cramer admitted: "We will be looking for a top three or four club."

Leeds have agreed a new, two-year contract with the prop Danny Ward, in place of the injured Darren Fleary.

Bradford have appointed Phil Veivers as their assistant coach, his third job in little more than three weeks. The former St Helens full-back finished the season as coach of Swinton, before becoming assistant at Leigh. Now, however, the prospect of becoming number two to Brian Noble with the Bulls has proved too attractive.

Warrington have been given permission to start work on a new 14,000-seater stadium, which they hope will be ready for the start of the 2004 season.

Great Britain's Under-18s bid to become the first northern hemisphere side in 30 years to beat the Combined Australian Schools when they play their first Test at Knowsley Road, St Helens, tomorrow.