Rugby League: Reilly not ready to risk recall for Wright

RUGBY LEAGUE

THE UNVEILING of Huddersfield's new half-back pairing will have to wait, because Nigel Wright is not yet ready for action. The former England and Great Britain Under-21 stand-off, thrown a lifeline by Huddersfield after being released by Wigan because of a string of injury problems, is due to form a partnership with the Test scrum-half, Bobbie Goulding, to lift his new side away from the bottom spot in Super League they occupied last season.

However, the new Huddersfield coach, Malcolm Reilly, has decided against risking Wright in the New Year's Day match against Halifax. "After being out of the game for so long, he needs a bit longer to get himself organised," Reilly said.

Also missing will be Huddersfield's new Australian signing, David Boughton, but they expect to be otherwise at full-strength.

Great Britain's current first choice stand-off, Iestyn Harris, returns to Leeds' team for their friendly against Castleford the same day. Harris missed the Boxing Day game against Halifax with a groin strain, but has been passed fit to take his club position of full-back tomorrow.

Leeds also have their two Australians, Brad Godden and Marc Glanville, back in their side, but two teenagers of whom great things are expected this season, Karl Pratt and Kevin Sinfield, retain their places.

Leeds' chief executive, Gary Hetherington, wants to organise a testimonial match for the wife and two children of Roy Powell, the former Leeds player who died at the age of 33 after collapsing at training with Rochdale Hornets this week. Hetherington hopes to stage a match involving players from the four Yorkshire clubs for which Powell played - Leeds, Bradford, Featherstone and Batley - next month.

Rochdale have already decided to put the proceeds from their New Year derby against Oldham into a fund for the family. The players will wear black bands, in memory of Powell and another Hornets player, Karl Marriott, who also died suddenly two months ago.

Bramley, Leeds' tenants at Headingley, have pulled off a coup by signing the former Sheffield Eagles prop, Danny McAllister, from the defunct Gold Coast Chargers.

The Super League newcomers, Gateshead, have been told by Hull KR that their Papua New Guinean stand-off, Stanley Gene, is under contract and not available for transfer.