Rugby League: Newlove's negative

PAUL NEWLOVE, the Bradford Northern centre, has added to Great Britain's problems for the World Sevens in Sydney next month by asking to be left out. Newlove, in outstanding form this season, has never been the most enthusiastic of foreign travellers and is moving house that week.

A decision will be announced today, but if Newlove stays at home he will not be allowed under international rules to play for Bradford in their League match against Featherstone on 6 February.

If Newlove withdraws, three replacements will be named today. Sheffield Eagles' Daryl Powell is out for a month with a tendon injury, while John Devereux, of Widnes, has a niggling back problem that will prevent him playing in the event.