Fielden and Gleeson targets in Gold Coast raid on Britain

The new Australian club on the Gold Coast could sign as many as four leading British players in 2007. The Gold Coast executive director, Michael Searle, is in England on what he calls an "educational tour".

The new Australian club on the Gold Coast could sign as many as four leading British players in 2007. The Gold Coast executive director, Michael Searle, is in England on what he calls an "educational tour".

"I don't expect to go home with any signatures, but I have had face-to-face talks with some players and their agents and have given those players a guarantee that they will remain anonymous," he said.

"There is definitely a level of interest. If something can be resolved, they would like to come out. I'm trying to identify the best players for the positions we need and that could mean two, three or four British players. I've no issue over the numbers. They will have to take a pay-cut, but I want British players to be aware of the opportunity of a different lifestyle."

The Bradford prop Stuart Fielden is thought to be a target, but his coach Brian Noble said yesterday that he was an unlikely signing during the remaining three years of his Bulls contract.

"Why would he want to go? He gets paid well and he plays in a top team," he said. "He doesn't have a release clause in his contract and it's mischief-making to suggest that he does."

Fielden is in Bradford's team to play at Huddersfield today as they try to wipe out the memory of last weekend's 66-4 thrashing by St Helens. Noble, who is without the suspended Leon Pryce, has accused some of his players of "throwing in the towel" after they went a man down against Saints. This evening, they have Michael Withers and Jamie Langley back in the side.

Huddersfield are without two half-backs, Stanley Gene and Paul March, so Tom Hemingway, 18, keeps his place in the squad after a promising debut last week.

"He's a product of the system and he's a young boy with a big future," said his coach Jon Sharp, who was also impressed with Wayne McDonald's first appearance, against Warrington.

Another of the Gold Coast's possible targets, Martin Gleeson, is likely to rest as Warrington take on Leigh tomorrow. Paul Noone may join him.

London rest Anthony Armour at Widnes, with Mark Tookey, Francis Stephenson and Joe Mbu competing for his place.

Hull KR's coach Harvey Howard is under suspension while the club investigate his conduct, so the captain James Webster will be in charge for Rovers' National League One match against Rochdale Hornets.

"It's not the best preparation, but we're professional rugby players and we're paid to do a job," Webster said.