Wolf Johnson becomes a Wildcat

Wakefield have completed their squad for next season by signing the former Great Britain utility player Paul Johnson on a one-year contract.

Johnson began his career at Wigan as a centre but has played for his country in roles as diverse as wing and second row. "Paul has proved that he is an adaptable player who will be able to provide cover for us in both the backs and the forwards," said the Wakefield coach, John Kear.

Johnson has been training with the Wildcats since being released by Warrington. "Paul was unlucky with injuries at Warrington, but he has proved to us that he has overcome all those problems," Kear said.

Gateshead Thunder are set to bring the first product of Maltese rugby league into the professional game in this country. Roderick Attard, 25, has impressed in trials with the Championship 1 club and is likely to be offered a squad place.

Gateshead's director of rugby, Chris Hood, said: "He has all the attributes we are looking for and now all we need to do is hone them."

Australian clubs are planning a meeting next month that may see them break away from the National Rugby League. They want to take control of the competition which is currently run jointly by the Australian Rugby League and News Ltd.

Paul Gallen, who played for Australia's Four Nations-winning side this autumn, has been ordered to explain himself to his club, Cronulla, after being arrested for urinating on a prostrate friend's head during a night out.