Bradford are ebullient as Cook and Hall trade places

Leeds and Bradford Bulls have completed a swap deal which sees the England back, Paul Cook, moving to Odsal in exchange for the New Zealander Carl Hall. Leeds will also receive an undisclosed cash balance, but the Bulls are jubilant over the recruitment of a 19-year-old of Cook's potential.

"This is a very good capture for our club," the Bradford coach, Brian Smith, said. "I have been following his career closely since my Hull days, and I am delighted he is joining us."

Cook, a regular first-teamer at full-back and wing for Leeds this season, was a member of England's World Cup squad in October. Hall, 26, joined Bradford from Doncaster 18 months ago and is seen as a potential answer to Leeds' centre problems when Craig Innes leaves for Manly in the spring. The two players could be in direct opposition on Sunday when the sides play each other.

Bobbie Goulding, the St Helens captain, could miss the Boxing Day derby at Wigan and the Regal Trophy semi-final against Warrington four days later after being cited by Halifax for a tackle on John Fieldhouse which left him with a suspected broken jaw. Goulding will appear at a disciplinary committee this evening.

Great Britain have been reassured that their three-match series against Australia in October is safe, despite New Zealand's claim that they have been allocated a match against Australia on the same day as the third Test in Sydney.