Barrett finds home with Cronulla after release by Wigan

Trent Barrett has signed with Cronulla for the next two seasons, following confirmation from Wigan that they have released him from the remaining year of his contract. Barrett is returning to Australia and taking a pay-cut because his pregnant wife is home-sick. The Wigan chairman, Ian Lenagan, said that they had agreed a compensation deal and expected their stand-off and acting captain "to continue to give 100 per cent commitment to the Warriors for the rest of this season."

The club is now being linked with the former Parramatta half-back, Tim Smith, who has been out of the game since revealing his battles with alcohol and bi-polar disorder.

Castleford have signed the Newcastle prop, Mitchell Sargent, on a two and a half year contract, starting as soon as he can finalise his work permit.

"I know Mitchell from coaching him at Melbourne and he will bring plenty to our squad," said the Cas coach, Terry Matterson.

Hull KR are to punish their stand-off, Paul Cooke, internally following his conviction for drink-driving – his third run-in with the law in the last two years. Cooke has kept his place in Rovers' squad for tonight's trip to St Helens, who expect Paul Sculthorpe to make his first appearance following a pectoral injury.

Hull's new coach, Richard Agar, is without Shaun Berrigan and Tommy Lee for his first Super League match since his appointment, at Leeds tonight. Matty Dale goes straight into the squad after his return from a loan spell at Wakefield and the teenager, Tom Briscoe, is also called up.

Warrington could join Huddersfield in seeking to make Harlequins' Brian McDermott their next head coach. Stephen Wild will make his comeback in Huddersfield's reserve side this weekend after missing much of the season so far with a broken arm.

The former Harlequins and London Broncos coach, Tony Rea, is to return to Australia to take up an appointment in rugby union with the ACT Brumbies.