Demetriou to miss rest of season

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Wakefield's captain, Jason Demetriou, has been ruled out for the season with a career-threatening neck injury.

The Australian has been told he could be paralysed if he does not have surgery, the recovery time from which is estimated at six months. The 32-year-old was a candidate for the Man of Steel award last season and made the transition from centre to loose forward this year.

Castleford have turned down an offer from a local amateur club to help with Dwain Chambers' rugby league education. The sprinter has been registered as a trialist with Cas for a month. Methley Royals offered him a place in their side to play Burley Lions in a Yorkshire League Division Four match.

Castleford have taken the idea even less seriously than critics took the prospect of Chambers playing in Super League after less than a week of coaching.

"Our offer remains open," said the Methley vice-chairman, Phil Hodgson.

Hull have a rather more familiar look in the forwards for tonight's game at home to Bradford. Peter Sharp's side, one place off the bottom of Super League, have Ewan Dowes back after a five-week absence and Peter Cusack available after he missed last week's draw in Perpignan for the birth of his daughter.

Their captain, Lee Radford, is adamant that he will be able to play against the Bulls with a painkilling injection in his ribs and Jamie Thackray continues to try to seize his second chance with the club.

Thackray rejoined Hull for this season after being released by Leeds. "It's just like I've never been away," he said. "I know there's going to be tough com-petition for places when everyone's fit, but that's what you want."