Court allows Pryce to join World Cup squad

Leon Pryce will be able to fly to the World Cup with England next month after being given permission to miss his next court appearance. The St Helens stand-off pleaded not guilty before Bradford Magistrates yesterday to charges of assault and using violence to gain entry. Warrington's Stuart Reardon pleaded not guilty to similar charges. The case was adjourned until 16 October, by which time Pryce will be in Australia with Tony Smith's squad, but the player was told that he can be absent for that hearing.

One player out of the World Cup is the Wigan captain, Sean O'Loughlin, who has not recovered from his shoulder injury. His coach, Brian Noble, who confirmed that O'Loughlin will not play again this year. Huddersfield have taken a risk on one of the most controversial players in the game by signing Todd Carney on a three-year contract.

The half-back is to re-start his career after being sacked by the Canberra Raiders following a series of alcohol-fuelled incidents. Carney was deregistered by the NRL, leaving him little choice but to move to Britain if he wanted to play professionally. "I see this move as a fresh start for me," said Carney. The Giants managing director, Richard Thewlis, admitted there was a release clause in the contract, but said that was standard practice with overseas signings.

Huddersfield have lost their former Wigan and St Helens forward, Stuart Jones, to Castleford, where he has agreed a one-year deal. In another move between Yorkshire clubs, the Leeds prop, Nick Scruton, is joining Bradford next season. Scruton remains in the Leeds squad for tonight's last game of the regular season at Wakefield.

Luke Dorn is rejoining Harlequins after spells at Salford and Castleford, while St Helens, who will clinch the League Leaders Shield for a fourth year in a row if they avoid defeat by Wigan, add Nick Fozzard to the side that won at Wembley.

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