New Rovers coach Sandercock excited by chance to develop junior talent

Hull KR's surprise choice as their new coach, Craig Sandercock, says that the young talent at the club was his main reason for taking the job. The little-known assistant coach at the Newcastle Knights was appointed over the weekend, after the former Canterbury coach, Kevin Moore, had appeared to have got the nod.

Sandercock's reputation for getting the best out of emerging players comes as his major recommendation. "That was one of the attractions of Hull KR," the 42-year-old former economics teacher, who once played briefly for the London Broncos, told the club's website. "The number of quality junior players coming through is a credit to all concerned."

Sandercock, who has agreed a two-year contract with an option for a third as the replacement for Justin Morgan, added that he was hoping to add some new signings to the mix for next season. "Hopefully, we'll be in a position to make some additions," he said.

Rovers have been turned down, however, by one player they had been hoping to sign, the Halifax prop, Sam Barlow, who also had an offer from Salford, but has decided to stay put after talks with new coach Karl Harrison.

Sheffield Eagles' centre, Menzie Yere, is in danger of missing the Championship Grand Final on Sunday. The Papua New Guinean international faces a charge of an alleged dangerous throw on Stuart Donlan during the victory over Leigh on Thursday and any suspension will rule him out of the decider against Featherstone Rovers at Warrington.

Three players have been short-listed for the season's major individual award, the Man of Steel. They are the Castleford stand-off, Rangi Chase, the St Helens hooker, James Roby, and the Wigan full-back, Sam Tomkins. The final decision will be announced next Monday.

Castleford have called a press conference for this morning to announce what they describe as "the signing of a star player". The signing will be the first made by their new coach, Ian Millward.