Rugby League: Mather told to stay in England

Rugby League

DAVE HADFIELD

The Western Reds, the Australian Super League club, have told Barrie- Jon Mather, the international second row or centre, to stay in England until his contractual dispute with Wigan is sorted out.

Mather signed a three-year deal with the Perth-based club in November after declaring himself a free agent, but has been in Britain for a Christmas holiday.

Wigan are disputing Mather's claim that the contract he signed with them last April is void and have, via the , asked the Super League to intervene in a potential feud between two member clubs.

That plea appears to have worked. Brad Mellon, the Reds chief executive, has told Mather to stay put and try to resolve the issue, and the 22- year-old player, capped by both Great Britain and England, was taking legal advice in London yesterday.

It is obviously not in the Super League's interests to have two affiliated clubs on opposite sides of the world at each other's throats, but Mather has already attracted interest from clubs in the rival Australian , who would have no such qualms.

Mather's solicitors have issued a statement accusing Wigan of being afraid to face them in court.

"They have not had the courage to do that, but have chosen to hide behind the coat-tails of the ," they said. "Our client does have the courage of his convictions, and proceedings are to be commenced."

St Helens' injury picture is gradually easing during the run-up to Saturday's Regal Trophy final against Wigan. Dean Busby, their loose forward, has been passed fit for the final after recovering from the groin strain that kept him out of Sunday's match against Warrington.

Six players are still under intensive treatment, however, with Adam Fogerty's knee and Anthony Sullivan's calf the least likely to respond in time.

Russell Smith, the Castleford referee who has already officiated at two Challenge Cup finals, takes charge of his first Regal Trophy final at Huddersfield on Saturday.

Phil Sigsworth, the new Hull coach, is to try to persuade Russ Walker, who was in charge on a caretaker basis until the Australian's arrival last weekend, to stay on as his assistant.

Sigsworth is resigned to losing Richard Gay, his full-back, whose move to Castleford will be confired today, but he is confident that Steve McNamara, the club captain who has been linked with Bradford and Wigan recently, will be staying.