Cullen will be new Warrington coach

Whitehaven are resigned to losing their coach, Paul Cullen, when Warrington make their new appointment today. Cullen is the strong favourite to take over at his home-town club, with whom he had meetings over the previous two days.

"We're prepared for the worst," the Whitehaven board member, Ken Shepherd, said. "Paul Cullen is still Whitehaven coach, although he has twice been in touch about the situation. But there has always been a threat that he would move on and we are not so naïve to think otherwise. He has turned the club around and done a tremendous job. If it happens we wish him well."

Cullen will become Warrington's fourth coach in a year, succeeding Darryl Van de Velde, for whom he was a player and assistant coach, Steve Anderson and David Plange, who was sacked on Monday. He has been the popular choice on the Wilderspool terraces throughout the club's recent upheavals, but will face a fraught first few weeks as he tries to keep them clear of relegation.

Paul Darbyshire has been put in temporary charge, but Cullen is expected to be in place in time for Sunday's game at Widnes.

The other West Cumbrian club, Workington Town, have also lost their coach, but this time through their choice. Martyn Wood has been sacked as his team have slipped to 13th place in the Northern Ford Premiership.

Halifax's stand-off, Andrew Dunemann, has asked for a release. The Australian, currently out with a knee injury, is expected to join Castleford for next season.

The London Broncos have been approached about playing the leading Australian side in Hong Kong next year. The Broncos will be on their way back from their training camp in Australia at the same time as the National Rugby League champions are travelling to Britain to play the winners of Super League in the World Club Challenge.