Rugby League: Fit-again Wright is back in business

NIGEL WRIGHT is to resurrect what once looked the most promising of careers with Huddersfield next season, writes Dave Hadfield.

The former England and Great Britain Under- 21 stand-off was written off by Wigan earlier this year, because of a series of leg and ankle injuries. But now Super League's bottom club last season is giving him the chance to start again, following a final settlement with Wigan.

"I've had an independent medical which proved there is nothing wrong with me," said Wright, 25, as he signed yesterday. "It's been a long year for me and I'm glad it's behind me."

Wright was regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the game when Wigan paid Wakefield pounds 140,000 for him in 1993. But he was rarely free of injury at Central Park and was given an ultimatum last winter to prove his fitness.

If his confidence now is justified, he could form an exciting half-back partnership at Huddersfield with Bobbie Goulding.

"Nigel will be a key player at this club and I'm delighted to have got him," said the Huddersfield and former Great Britain coach, Malcolm Reilly, a long-time admirer of Wright.

Bradford have continued their pruning for next season by releasing two more players, Sonny Nickle, the former Great Britain second-rower, and the winger, Andy Hodgson.

Both are interesting newly-promoted Wakefield Trinity, who have already taken another Bradford player, Kevin Crou-thers, on loan for next season.

New club Gateshead Thunder have made another Australian signing, the Brisbane Broncos' reserve second-rower, Brett Green. The prop forward, Andy Ireland, has agreed a new, two year contract at Hull.

Chris Morley, the forward sacked by Warrington last season, has won his case claiming unfair dismissal. Warrington are expected to come to terms over a severance deal, leaving him free to look for another club.

The former Leeds United chairman, Bill Fotherby, has become the new managing director at Hunslet.