Offiah will not face St Helens

Rugby League

London Broncos have failed in their dash to sign Martin Offiah in time for this evening's game against St Helens. The Broncos' chairman, Barry Maranta, admitted defeat yesterday afternoon.

"It has just not been possible to sort out all aspects of the deal in time," he said. "But we hope to complete the deal before the Saints game, so that Martin can lend his considerable presence to that occasion, even though he will not be able to play."

London failed to beat the five pm deadline yesterday because of insurance complications involving his plans to play rugby union in the winter.

"There is nothing there that is going to explode the deal," Maranta said. "We will have Martin in our side for the match against Warrington that could decide fourth place next Sunday."

Meanwhile, Wigan's captain and Offiah's great friend, Shaun Edwards, has defended his decision to make himself unavailable after being dropped to substitute for the last two games.

"I have been living on pain-killers," he said. "I found out I had been dropped to the bench for the game against Paris last week but my knee was too sore to even go on the bench. It's a similar situation this week."

The do-or-die nature of London's remaining programme and their bid for a top place is underlined by the decision to play both Terry Matterson and Gavin Allen today, despite the fact that neither is fully fit.

There is also a debut for the latest in the long line of imports from Australia, the former South Queensland Crushers centre, David Krause.

Krause played 20 games for the Crushers in their debut season in the Winfield Cup and is a straight replacement for Evan Cochrane, who flew home for a shoulder operation earlier this month.

Saints have Scott Gibbs back after a ban, despite the negotiations that could soon see him move to Llanelli or Swansea, but are without Andy Northey, who has been suspended for two matches for a dangerous tackle in the match against Oldham last week.

Anthony Sullivan and Andy Leathem are still out injured, while Alan Hunte is relegated to the bench.

Warrington will be without their winger, Richard Henare, at Sheffield. He has also been banned for two games, for striking a Bradford opponent last week. Mateaki Mafi replaces him on the wing, with the transfer-listed Iestyn Harris returning after injury at stand-off.