Gleeson departs after failing to come to terms with Warrington

Mark Gleeson, the Warrington hooker who has been at the club for nine years, has joined Featherstone after being released from the remaining three months of his contract following a failure to agree an extension.

Gleeson's departure comes at a time of uncertainty for his brother, the Test centre Martin Gleeson, who has an offer on the table from the Melbourne Storm if he can negotiate his release from Warrington.

Leeds' hopes of pulling out of their recent slump have improved with the news that Kevin Sinfield does not face a lay-off and that Clinton Toopi is fit to return to action. Sinfield was carried off during Friday's defeat at Wigan that saw them knocked off top place. A scan on their captain's knee has shown no damage and he is clear to play against Huddersfield tomorrow.

He could be alongside Toopi, with the Kiwi centre in line for his first appearance since dislocating his shoulder in the World Club Challenge in February. It was feared Toopi could miss the rest of the season, but he said: "I'm a man of faith and I believe that God has blessed me with fast healing. It's like having a new shoulder."

By contrast, Hull have so many players carrying injuries that their coach, Richard Agar, has cancelled training for the last two days. The new casualties include Garreth Carvell, who recently requested a release the day after signing a three-year contract. He has a hip injury.

Tom Rock, the former Leeds rugby union winger, is playing trial matches with Bradford's reserves.

England kept their hopes of qualification alive in the Student World Cup in Australia with a last-ditch 22-20 victory over Greece yesterday.