Spear tackle costs Buderus chance to help Leeds reach the Grand Final

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Leeds' hooker Danny Buderus is out of their next play-off fixture after being banned for a match for a spear tackle. Buderus was placed on report during the first half of Leeds' victory at Wigan on Sunday and found guilty of a dangerous throw on Paul Prescott. The Rhinos have this weekend off, then a semi-final to reach next month's Old Trafford final.

Leeds' full-back Ben Jones-Bishop, who spent the whole of this season on loan to Harlequins, has become the latest player to withdraw from England's plans for the Four Nations due to shoulder surgery.

"I'm sure, if Ben continues to work hard, he will get another chance to be involved with England," said the national coach, Steve McNamara.

Super League's Rookie of the Year is not expecting to be fit for this season's play-offs. Liam Watts missed Hull KR's victory over Hull at the weekend with a knee injury and is set to sit out this Friday's preliminary semi-final at Wigan as well. The forward received his award at a ceremony in Warrington, which also saw the retiring Salford hooker Malcolm Alker earn a lifetime achievement award.

Wigan's half-back, Paul Deacon, is rated only 50/50 to face Rovers with a groin injury picked up in the defeat to Leeds, but Iafeta Paleaaesina is fit to resume after a knee problem.

Castleford have released three first-team players – Michael Wainwright, Liam Higgins and Ryan Clayton. Harlequins have given new contracts to three of their local products – Lamont Bryan, Dave Williams and Omari Caro – while one of their diminishing Australian contingent, Luke Dorn, has signed for another three years. The stand-off or full-back has been a prolific try-scorer during his two spells with Quins.

"Even though the club has been through some tough times I wanted to show my commitment, because I believe we can take the club where it deserves to be," Dorn said. Rob Powell, who is acting as caretaker coach while the club searches for a successor to Brian McDermott, called it "a fantastic signing."

Joe Wardle is leaving Bradford after turning down a new deal.