Rugby League: Edwards barred from the Broncos

SHAUN EDWARDS yesterday revealed that the London Broncos coach, Dan Stains, has barred him from training because he has a "negative attitude".

Stains refused to discuss the situation with the half-back, who was disciplined following his unsanctioned appearance at the launch of the 2000 World Cup last Tuesday.

Edwards, also reluctant to divulge too much about the affair, said: "Dan doesn't want me to come to training or to be in the dressing-room before games.

"Dan has his reasons for that. He thinks I might have a negative attitude with the team. He's the boss and whatever he says goes.

"I'm injured at the moment, so I can't play, but I'll have to train on my own. I am available for any promotions the club wants me to do."

London Broncos have not won in their last 10 games and Edwards, who is out of action with a broken thumb, has only played in one of those matches - the Challenge Cup final defeat to Leeds - and that is the only time he has been on a losing side for the Broncos this season.

"Shaun is not welcome to training or in our dressing-rooms," Stains said. "How long for? How long is a piece of string? Until I say different.

"I've given him a two-page list of why and my expectations of him. If he wants to go public with that then that's his decision but I'm not going to disclose it.

"It was for the best to move the club forward. It isn't one thing; it's a combination of things in my mind.

"I've got 40 or so people under me that I'm in control of and they need every bit of my attention for this club to fulfil its potential as an organisation.

"I don't want one person occupying too much of my time. It's about doing what's right for the club."