RFL ready to act after clubs use ban loophole

The Rugby League could act to close a loophole that is allowing suspended players to escape virtually scot-free.

Huddersfield were able to field Stanley Gene and Darren Fleary at Leeds last night, despite each missing only one senior match in two- and three-game bans respectively. Warrington will have Nick Fozzard available to play at London tonight, while Shayne McMenemy will be in Halifax's side at Bradford tomorrow, although neither has missed a senior match since being given a one-game suspension.

The clubs have used a provision that allows them to count Academy games against a ban if there are no first-team matches being played at the time. The result is that teams knocked out of the Challenge Cup have a two-week gap between first team fixtures, during which time a suspension can often be wiped out.

The League admits that the situation needs looking at. "The system is always under review and, because of changes to the RFL constitution, we can make amendments very quickly," said its executive chairman, Richard Lewis.

Fozzard's availability allows Paul Cullen to field an unchanged side at the Broncos, who are likely to field the side that won at Hull two weeks ago.

For tomorrow's trip to Wakefield, Wigan will still be without three senior forwards – Andy Farrell, Mick Cassidy and Terry O'Connor – as well as the winger Brian Carney. Farrell says he needs further time to build up leg strength after knee surgery, but is confident of being fit for the Cup semi-final against Bradford on 13 April.

Wakefield hope to give a Super League debut in the centre to Matt Seers, their major close-season signing from Australia.

Hull have Adam Maher back after illness against Widnes, but have a doubt about Matt Crowther. Ryan Sheridan is again missing from the Widnes line-up after his bout of illness.

Bradford will have an entire international front row back in action against Halifax with the return of Joe Vagana, James Lowes and Paul Anderson, but Daniel Gartner is their latest injury victim.

Hull KR's new signing, the former Great Britain prop, Harvey Howard, will make his debut against York City Knights in the Arriva Trains Cup tomorrow.