Rugby League: Broadbent stays close to home

WARRINGTON'S HOPES of signing Paul Broadbent from Halifax have hit a roadblock in the shape of his unwillingness to move to the area. The Great Britain prop is one of a number of players looking for new clubs as Halifax try to cut their costs.

"We need some size and there's no doubt that he would do a good job for us," said the Warrington coach, Darryl Van de Velde. "But I've spoken to him and he wants to continue to live in Sheffield and I'm a great believer in players being within half an hour of the ground."

For tomorrow night's match against Wigan, Van de Velde keeps the same starting line-up, but hopes to introduce some size from the bench with the possible return of Steve McCurrie after a two-month absence. Gary Chambers, meanwhile, has signed a new two-year contract.

Second-placed St Helens are likely to be unchanged against the London Broncos, although there is a chance that Kevin Iro will be fit to resume.

Shaun Edwards will make his first start for the Broncos since Wembley.

Castleford, their noses still ahead of Gateshead in fifth place, have Adrian Vowles and Francis Maloney back against Salford, who have lost their last three matches since greeting their new coach, John Harvey, with a victory.

They add four more players, including Darren Brown and David Hulme, to a lengthening injury list and that barren run keeps them in the sights of the bottom two, Hull and Huddersfield, who meet at The Boulevard today.