Knee operation rules out Wigan's Godwin for season

Wigan have lost yet another player for the season, with the news that their hooker, Wayne Godwin, needs an operation on damaged knee ligaments. "I will be very surprised if Wayne plays again this season, which is a great shame because the lad has been in cracking form," said the club's chairman, Maurice Lindsay.

Wigan have also lost Chris Melling for the season with a similar injury, but have signed four of their young players, including Sean Gleeson, who has already made Super League appearances, to new two-year contracts.

Owen Craigie has been released from the remaining year of his contract at Widnes after also having his season ended by knee surgery. "Owen is a player of immense talent, but things have not gone right for him since his arrival," said the coach, Frank Endacott.

"We were hoping for him to have a real good run-in, but this injury has put paid to that. Shane Millard also needs a knee operation and will not play again this year. The loss of Shane will be a big loss for the team, but it will mean I can bring in some of the promising younger players from the Under-21s," Endacott said.

John Wilshere is leaving Leigh at the end of the season to join Salford on a two-year contract.

The new French Super League club, Les Catalans, have completed their overseas signings by enlisting the Kiwi Test prop, Alex Chan, from Melbourne, but have played down reports that Brad Fittler is to join them as a consultant.

Sean Long will play for St Helens in their Challenge Cup semi-final against Hull on Saturday, after a six-match absence with a broken hand.