Paul's surprise New Zealand call-up

Paul was confronting the likelihood that his international career was over when he was left out of the squad for the Tri-Nations, but he has now been asked to make himself available for next Sunday's match against England.

With Stacey Jones due to leave the tournament after tomorrow's game against Great Britain, the opportunity could be there for Paul to win back his place in the first-choice side.

"I hadn't played much rugby so I wasn't expecting to be in the Tri-Nations, but I was still disappointed," he said. "At the moment, I've just been asked to play against England, but I would always want to wear the black and white shirt."

Castleford have made Danny Sculthorpe their first signing for their return to Super League, agreeing a season-long loan from Wigan. Sculthorpe has been lent out because the Wigan coach, Ian Millward, expects to have plenty of options in the forwards next season, with new players arriving and injured ones available again.

"I want Danny to play regular first-team football and Castleford provides that opportunity," he said. "He is still under contract to us for the 2007 season and we hope to have him back in our side during that year."

Castleford, who have also agreed a new contract with their second-rower, Tom Haughey, hope to do an extended deal to keep Sculthorpe if his first season goes well.

"There will be more to follow when we have our new head coach on board," said their chief executive, Richard Wright. Cas have a shortlist of three candidates for that job, left vacant because Dave Woods' contract was not renewed.

Relegated Widnes have signed the Whitehaven and Scotland centre, Mick Nanyn, reuniting him with his coach in Cumbria, Steve McCormack.

Stephen Kearney, the former New Zealand captain who retired from playing at the end of his one season with Hull, has joined the coaching staff at his previous club, the Melbourne Storm.