Castleford's signing of Timmins shows elite ambition

Castleford have continued their celebration of likely Super League survival by signing the Australian international Shaun Timmins on a two-year deal.

The promoted Tigers are now five points clear of relegation and are recruiting ambitiously.

"To sign someone of Shaun's stature is a huge boost for us," said their coach, Terry Matterson. "He has played at the highest level for over 10 years and has tremendous big match experience in Tests and Origin."

Timmins, 29, has played nine times each for Australia and New South Wales and has the advantage of being able to play back row, stand-off or centre. "I'm keen as mustard to be coming to the UK," he said. "It's something I've wanted to do for a while." Timmins follows the New Zealand forward Awen Guttenbeil, who has also agreed a two-year deal.

Wakefield have delayed naming a successor to Tony Smith. John Kear, the former Hull coach, was a favourite, but the club have interviewed at least one other candidate - not Ian Millward, according to their chief executive, Steve Ferres. The former St Helens and Wigan coach is at Leigh while waiting to become assistant coach at North Queensland Cowboys.

"We would be interested in Ian if he was available, but we don't think he is. Neil Kelly is another name that is floating around," Ferres said. "We have had no formal approach from him, but it is not a one-man race."

Wakefield's two new loan signings, Maxime Grésèque and James Evans, are in their squad to face Bradford on Friday night.

Paul Sculthorpe will miss St Helens' Challenge Cup semi-final against Hull KR on 29 July, but is expected to recover from his knee strain for the last five rounds of the Super League season. Sean Long and Willie Talau face fitness tests before Saturday's game at Leeds.

Warrington's Simon Grix will miss the rest of the season after shoulder surgery.

Brett Dallas is considering an offer to extend his career at Newcastle Knights when he leaves Wigan at the end of this season.