RUGBY LEAGUE

RUGBY LEAGUE

Dean Bell will start a flurry of interest in Britain with the news that he wants to return to play here. Bell, the former Wigan and New Zealand captain, was expected to retire as a player after his current season at the Auckland Warriors. He now says that he wants to carry on playing, almost certainly in England, which will be of immediate interest to Wigan, Leeds and several other clubs. Wigan could see him as an instant, albeit short-term, replacement for Phil Clarke, while Leeds, another of his previous clubs, might see him stepping into Ellery Hanley's boots, as both loose forward and assistant coach.

Oldham's newly signed full-back, Paul Atcheson, and the Leeds forward Richie Eyres have joined Kelvin Skerrett in withdrawing from Wales' short tour to the US through injury. Mark Sheals of Wakefield and two products of the Welsh Students' side, Gareth Davies and Dai Williams, take their places.

WINFIELD CUP: Illawarra 6 Canberra 18.