Palea'asina to beef up Wigan

Wigan, with an unlikely relegation battle on their hands, have continued their long-term planning by signing the Kiwi forward, Iafeta Palea'asina, but have admitted that they expect to lose two of their Great Britain internationals.

Palea'asina, 23, will arrive next season on a three-year contract from the New Zealand Warriors, having chosen Wigan despite offers from both hemispheres.

"He will add size and pace to our pack," said the club's coach, Ian Millward. He conceded, however, that his new club is certain to lose Kris Radlinski and Brian Carney. Radlinski is a rugby union target, while Carney is wanted by South Sydney for next season and by Gold Coast for their inaugural campaign the year after.

Widnes have confirmed the signing of the Cronulla full-back, David Peachey, on a two-year contract. The deal is subject to the club retaining its Super League status, as, for that matter, are any to which Wigan commit themselves.

The Great Britain hooker, Matt Diskin, is back in the Leeds squad for Friday's game against Bradford for the first time this season.

Danny Ward is also back in the Rhinos squad and Diskin could face Ian Henderson, the Australian hooker who is expected to make his debut for the Bulls.

Jason Hooper's shoulder dislocation during the 75-0 thrashing of Wigan could deprive St Helens, already without Sean Long for a month, of their stand-off's services for six weeks.

Both Powergen Challenge Cup semi-finals next month will be played at Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium. Saints will play Hull on 30 July, with Leeds facing Toulouse the following day.