Dragons begin rebuilding with Baitieri

The Catalan Dragons, who have seven players making their farewell appearances against Huddersfield this weekend, have begun plugging the holes by signing the Sydney Roosters' loose forward Jason Baitieri on a two-year contract.

Baitieri is the son of the former France coach, Tas Baitieri. He was born in Paris and played his junior rugby for Toulouse. He could face the daunting task of replacing the former Australian Test loose forward Dallas Johnson, who this week became the latest player to announce his departure from the Dragons, just 12 months into a three-year contract.

Hull KR have re-signed their former Wigan utility player Liam Colbon for another season.

England will not have to face Greg Inglis, the current holder of the Golden Boot as the world's best player and often their scourge in the past, in this autumn's Four Nations.

He is to have shoulder surgery in preparation for his move from Melbourne to Brisbane. The absence of Inglis leaves Australia with a likely centre partnership of Jamie Lyon and Michael Jennings.

Steve Ganson has again been left out of the list of refereeing appointments for this weekend. He is waiting to hear whether assault charges are to be pressed against him over an incident at a family party last month in which an 83-year-old woman was injured. The Rugby League believes that he needs some time off.

It could be next year before Ganson referees again, because only a maximum of four referees a week are needed for the Super League play-offs.

It is make-or-break for Leigh's Super League ambitions in their Championship elimination play-off against Sheffield Eagles tonight. Leigh need to reach the Grand Final to qualify to apply for a licence for 2012.