Flannery plans Grand finish

Dave Hadfield

Dave Hadfield was a schoolboy convert to rugby league, the game which, one way or another, has dominated his life ever since. After working for newspapers in Shropshire and Blackpool (where he covered the fortunes of Blackpool Borough) he travelled the world, working mainly in Hong Kong and Sydney. He became The Independent's rugby league man in 1990 and has written five books on the game and broadcast extensively for Sky and the BBC. Dave played his last game at the age of 53 and would have set up a try if anyone could have been bothered supporting his break. When not writing about the sport, he now limits himself to a bit of tick and pass with his local club, the Bolton Mets. Family includes supporters - of varying degrees of dedication - of Salford, Wigan, Sheffield Eagles and St George Illawarra.

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Chris Flannery, the St Helens forward, plans to retire at the end of this season. Flannery, 31, arrived from the Sydney Roosters in 2007 and has played in four losing Grand Finals for Saints – which has left him with an ambition to go one better this time.

"I think this will be my last season. I hope I'll have a big year to finish it off in the right fashion," said Flannery, who is back against the Catalan Dragons tomorrow.

Hull KR's injury list has grown with David Hodgson likely to be out for up to six weeks with pectoral damage.

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