Cleary coup delights Huddersfield

Huddersfield have continued their build-up for a possible return to Super League by signing one of the southern hemisphere's most prolific points-scorers, Ivan Cleary.

The utility back, who is playing for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League, has signed a one-year contract – subject to the Giants winning promotion from the Northern Ford Premiership.

"It's a fantastic signing for us," said the Huddersfield coach, Tony Smith. "To be able to attract someone of his calibre is a major coup. Without doubt he is one of the best goalkickers in the game and he is playing as well as ever."

The club's chief executive, Ralph Rimmer, went even further. "I think this is the biggest signing in the club's history," he said. "The influence he can have on next year's squad is immense."

Cleary was seen primarily as a centre when Huddersfield went after him, but fears that Paul Reilly could miss the start of next season after breaking his ankle in two places last weekend could see him start his Giants career at full-back, the position he has played in for the Warriors.

Hull are investigating an incident in which a Wigan supporters' coach had stones and bottles thrown at it after last Saturday's game at The Boulevard. An elderly fan was also punched and the club says it will take action if the culprits can be identified, just as they did when supporters were banned for their part in the riot at the McAlpine Stadium two years ago. Hull's managing director, Patricia Goldsmith said: "All measures will be taken to secure a prosecution and to ban these offenders."

Meanwhile, Hull plan to inaugurate their new stadium, being built close by The Boulevard, with a match against their neighbours, Hull KR, next February.

Leeds' centre Tonie Carroll is back in training at Headingley, defusing fears that he could be out for the rest of the season. Carroll, who is to return to the Brisbane Broncos next season, thought he might have played his last game for Leeds after suffering knee ligament damage. Although he has trained this week, he is unlikely to be risked in tomorrow night's game against Bradford.

The Bradford forward Richard Moore has escaped suspension, despite being found guilty of reckless use of the forearm in an Academy match.