Furner faces up to future

David Furner finds himself tonight in a situation that is becoming increasingly commonplace for the modern-day player – playing for his present against his future employers.

The Australian second-rower has been sacrificed to Wigan's need to reduce their wage bill for next season but, even at 32, has been eagerly snapped up by Leeds, their opponents in the Super League elimination semi-final.

"I'm leaving Wigan but I'm hell-bent on playing well for them in this one," Furner said. His future coach, Daryl Powell, admitted: "He'll give everything for Wigan. It's up to us to make sure he doesn't have a good game, but he's a quality player in a quality team."

That side is strengthened by the return of Terry O'Connor, Mick Cassidy and Sean O'Loughlin, whilst Leeds must decide whether Tonie Carroll and Karl Pratt are fit enough to be thrown straight back into the action. "They won't be in the team unless they can prove they are 100 per cent fit," Powell said.

Barry Eaton, Widnes' regular scrum-half during their successful first season in Super League, is one of five players to be released by the club. Eaton was signed by coach Neil Kelly from his former club, Dewsbury, and played 25 times for Widnes this year. He has already been replaced by the signing of Dean Lawford from Batley.

The others to be shown the door are the forward, Sean Richardson, the winger, Damien Munro, the reserve hooker, Mike Briggs, and the Australian utility player, Blake Cannavo. All, apart from Cannavo, have figured in Super League this season.

Warrington have completed their overseas quota for next season by signing the centre or winger, Brent Grose, from South Sydney on a one-year deal. The Wolves' coach, Paul Cullen, expects the 23-year-old former Cronulla player to be a major asset. "Brent is a very exciting three-quarter who has done it in the best competition in the world," he said.