Fleary signs for Huddersfield

The Great Britain prop, Darren Fleary, has joined Huddersfield's pre-season training camp after signing a one-year contract with his hometown club.

Fleary left Leeds earlier this month after being sacked from their squad and then reinstated. The Giants gave him a three-day trial last week and their coach, Tony Smith, was sufficiently impressed to offer him terms. "I've already learned a lot from Tony in just a few days and I can't wait for the season to start," Fleary said.

His decision will disappoint Wakefield, who may now turn their attention to Rob Roberts, who was sacked by the Giants last week after blowing his last chance with the club by missing a training session.

The New Zealand Test coach, Gary Freeman, could be on his way out of the job after the NZRL ruled that he will have to re-apply for it.

Freeman had hoped to have his position re-confirmed after the drawn series in Britain last autumn, but it looks as though the failure to win could see him discarded. The NZRL also wants a New Zealand-based coach and Freeman, since his playing days with Balmain, has lived in Australia.

John Pendlebury, Super League's 1998 coach of the year, is back in the game after an absence of four years. Pendlebury resigned at Halifax in 1999, less than a year after leading them to third place in the table, and has now been appointed assistant to Paul Terzis at Leigh, a club he played for.

"John has kept up to date with the game and still has a lot to offer," Terzis said.

One of Pendlebury's former team-mates at Wigan, Steve Hampson, is considering a comeback at the age of 42 for Sale's cross-code game at St Helens next Monday. The former Great Britain full-back is now a conditioner with Sale.

The Hull KR coach, Steve Linnane, says he would jump at the chance of signing Anthony Sullivan, if he is ready to return to rugby league.

Sullivan began his career with Rovers, before moving on to St Helens and to rugby union with Cardiff. As with Iestyn Harris, rumours are rife that he could be on his way back. "He would be magnificent for us," Linnane said. "Although he's 34, he has always looked after himself, but I don't know what his plans are."