Relief for Saints as Lyon escapes semi-final ban

St Helens' Jamie Lyon has been cleared to face Hull KR in Saturday's Challenge Cup semi-final after escaping suspension at a Rugby League disciplinary hearing.

The Australian Test centre, the game's reigning Man of Steel as last season's outstanding player, was sent off 12 minutes from time at Leeds last Saturday for a late tackle on Rob Burrow. Lyon was found guilty of the tackle but it was ruled that his sending-off was sufficient punishment.

Adrian Morley has entered an early guilty plea in the hope of avoiding a suspension long enough to put him out of this autumn's Tri-Nations. Morley was sent off for kneeing a Canterbury opponent in the groin while playing for the Sydney Roosters at the weekend. This will be the 11th time he has faced the National Rugby League disciplinary authorities during his five years in Australia and a ban of longer than six games will not only end his NRL career but also affect his Great Britain availability.

Morley's representatives are expected to tell the hearing today that an even longer sentence could threaten a four-year contract with Warrington, which he is due to begin next season. "We still expect Adrian to be firing on all cylinders when he puts on the primrose and blue in the not-too-distant future," said the Warrington coach, Paul Cullen.

Castleford's Danny Brough has been suspended for two matches after being sent off at Huddersfield for foul and abusive language. His team-mate, Danny Sculthorpe has been found guilty of a careless high tackle and fined £400.

Hull have signed Danny Washbrook, Scott Wheeldon and Matty Dale on extended contracts until 2008. Wakefield have appointed Paul Broadbent as their assistant coach for the rest of the season.