Penny's value recognised in 'Dream Team'

Kevin Penny has become the least experienced player ever judged to be among Super League's best performers. The 19-year-old Warrington winger has been voted into the annual "Dream Team" as the best in his position in the competition, despite playing just 14 times this season.

Penny made just one substitute appearance last year, but has held his place since being promoted to an injury-hit Wolves first team in June. Since then, he has scored 15 tries, including long-range efforts which have marked him out as the possessor of truly exceptional pace.

He has not been included in the Great Britain squad to prepare for the Kiwi tourists this autumn, but could be a contender for the Northern Union team to play the New Zealanders at Warrington next month.

"It's unbelievable to be here among players of this quality," said Penny as the team assembled in Huddersfield yesterday. "At the start of the season, I was just hoping to have a good year in the academy. I thought I might have got a few games on the bench in the first team, but I'd never dreamt I'd be starting."

Penny is one of nine players making their debuts in the Dream Team, who are elected by journalists covering the game. The exceptions are led by Jamie Peacock, who makes a record-equalling sixth appearance. He is one of four Leeds players included, the biggest representation from one club, and one of eight British players in the XIII.

Hull KR are clearing out a full team of unwanted players after surviving their first season in Super League. They are releasing 12 players, headed by regulars such as David Ward and Luke Dyer, while Ian Hardman is returning to St Helens and Mark O'Neill is retiring.

Sonny Bill Williams, rated by most as the best forward in the world, will miss the Kiwi tour after breaking a bone in his arm playing for his Australian club, the Canterbury Bulldogs. Williams suffered a spiral fracture of the radius in the play-off defeat by Parramatta and has been told that he will be out for at least eight weeks.