Swinton wait on stadium go-ahead

Swinton hope to celebrate their Championship 1 title this week by getting the go-ahead for a new stadium near their historic home.

A meeting with Salford Council will decide whether the Lions can press on with a new ground at Agecroft in time for next season.

They left their old ground at Station Road 15 years ago and have spent this season ground-sharing with Salford at The Willows, which is due to be demolished this winter.

Swinton clinched the Championship, their first trophy for 25 years, by beating the South Wales Scorpions on Sunday.

Ben Cross will miss the Challenge Cup final after having it confirmed that he broke his arm in Wigan's win over Salford at the weekend, but St Helens have had better news on forward Tony Puletua, who they feared would miss the rest of the season for shoulder surgery. The Kiwi has been told that he does not need an operation and could be back in time for the play-offs.