Endacott delighted with new contract

Frank endacott has signed a new contract at Wigan that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2002 season. The New Zealand Test coach came to Wigan on a one-season deal, but had been pressing for a decision on his future. "I am delighted to stay at the club, as I've enjoyed every minute of being here," he said. "My extended contract will help me plan further and I hope to build on what I have already started."

Frank endacott has signed a new contract at Wigan that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2002 season. The New Zealand Test coach came to Wigan on a one-season deal, but had been pressing for a decision on his future. "I am delighted to stay at the club, as I've enjoyed every minute of being here," he said. "My extended contract will help me plan further and I hope to build on what I have already started."

The Wigan chairman, Maurice Lindsay, who was rumoured to have alternatives such as Wayne Bennett and Ellery Hanley in mind, said: "We are delighted that Frank has agreed to stay at the club. It will give him a chance to further develop our youth programme and I know he is keen to develop home-grown talent."

The London Broncos have confirmed the signing of the New Zealand Test captain, Richie Barnett, on a two-year contract which starts next season. The Sydney City full-back has been out of action since suffering facial injuries in an accidental clash of heads with the Australian winger Wendell Sailor while playing for the Kiwis. There were fears that the injury could end his career, but Barnett says that he will not only be fit to join London next season, but that he also hopes to lead New Zealand in the Lincoln World Cup this autumn.

Jason Hetherington, the Broncos' other current international recruit, has been named in Australia's training squad for the tournament despite suggestions thatplayers destined for England should be excluded.

The future of Wakefield Trinity as a Super League club hangs in the balance with the club promising a statement today about its prospects. The board of directors was meeting to discuss its course of action following the financial crisis brought on by the failure of its sacked chief executive, John Pearman, to produce the money he had promised in order to buy a majority shareholding.

Super League is also due to discuss the situation today, while Wakefield's troubles will be on the agenda of tomorrow's meeting of the Rugby League Council, which will also discuss whether to admit Dewsbury to Super League and Gateshead and Bramley to the Northern Ford Premiership.