Rugby League: Leeds shuffle pack

LEEDS hand the task of launching their season tonight to a remodelled pack featuring three debutants in their opening Stones Bitter Championship match at Castleford.

Their new signings, Neil Harmon from Warrington and Ian Scott from Workington, will play at prop while the 18-year-old Matt Schultz is in the second row.

One notable absentee will be Richie Eyres, signed from Widnes this month, who is serving a six-game ban for his foul on Martin Offiah in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley. A tribunal next week will decide the fee for Eyres, with the Widnes coach, Phil Larder, claiming the player to be worth pounds 180,000.

Garry Schofield, the Leeds stand-off, will play in protective headgear following an operation for an ear complaint.

Castleford, who may have to wait several weeks for the arrival of their new Australian stand-off, Tony Kemp from Newcastle, give a debut to Ian Smales, the second-row forward signed from Featherstone.

London Crusaders play for the first time at their new home, the Copthall Stadium in Hendon. Their team to meet Batley will include the club's two most signicant newcomers, John Gallagher and the second-row and captain Sam Stewart, making their first appearances.

Wigan, who have been rejected by the All Black wing, Vai'iga Tuigamala, may now try to fill their overseas quota with an Australian. Their new coach, John Dorahy, has a player in mind, but must persuade his board that further spending is justified.

Dorahy faces his first game in charge, against Hull on Sunday, without Offiah and Andy Platt, but Shaun Edwards should be fit after a back injury. Nigel Wright will make his debutat stand-off and Barrie-Jon Mather is preferred to Andrew Farrell in the second row.