Rugby League: Hanley to remain at Leeds

ELLERY HANLEY has agreed a new contract which will keep him at Leeds for next season, writes Dave Hadfield. The former Great Britain captain, now 33, had been considering retirement, but he will now resume the coaching duties which he combines with playing.

'He had been thinking about retiring while he was still at the top, but I've managed to persuade him that retirement is not all it's cracked up to be,' the Leeds coach, Doug Laughton, said.

Retaining their most influential player, as well as signing experienced internationals like George Mann, Esene Faimalo and Patrick Entat, gives Leeds, last season's beaten Cup-finalists, a powerful-looking squad for the new campaign.

The Rugby League is moving from Chapeltown Road in Leeds, its headquarters for almost 60 years, to a new base on the outskirts of the city. Red Hall House has room around it for pitches and training facilities, enabling it to be used as a base by Great Britain teams.