Rugby league: Sporting League

The referee Steve Ganson has been handed a one-match ban after being criticised for his performance in Sunday's JJB Super League match between Castleford and Huddersfield. The 28-year-old official, who is in his first season in the top flight, is the third Super League referee this season to be "stood down" for a week by Geoff Berry, the Rugby Football League referees director. Ganson, who sent two players to the sin bin, allowed a Huddersfield try, late in the game, from what appeared to be a blatant forward pass. Huddersfield won the game 16-10. "After watching a video of the match, there were a number of refereeing incidents which gave me concern and I have decided to stand him down from appointments this weekend," Berry said. "Up to this game, he has been running very well and only last week I was singing his praises. The wheels seemed to come off [on Sunday] but let's hope it's just a one-off."

Gary Lester, the Australian stand-off, has replaced Alan Hunte as captain of Super League side Hull Sharks. Hull coach Peter Walsh said: "We've taken the decision in an effort to take some pressure off Alan."

John Roper the Warrington Wolves stand-off will be out of action for six weeks with a broken leg and dislocated ankle. Roper was injured in Sunday's 18-18 Super League draw against Sheffield Eagles.