Dunemann placates former fans before Shay return

Andrew Dunemann can expect a hostile welcome at The Shay tonight when he returns to Halifax for the first time as a Leeds player. The Australian half-back left Halifax at the end of last season after a protracted falling-out and has since been outspoken in his criticism of the way the club has been run.

He has described going to a well-appointed Headingley as moving "from one extreme to another" but has also been making conciliatory noises in the build-up to this evening's game. "I have some good memories of my time at Halifax and I still have some good mates there," he said. "It's good to hear things are getting sorted out off the field as well."

That sorting out involves the club going into a new CVA (Credit Voluntary Arrangement) and looking for outside investment to help them and Halifax Town, with whom they share the ground, complete the half-built main stand.

They will also be a step further toward rebuilding their side this weekend when the former Wakefield and Huddersfield winger, Andrew Frew, arrives in the country. He should be available for next weekend's game at Widnes.

Tonight, unbeaten Leeds rest David Furner with a slight knee injury and promote Willie Poching to the starting line-up, with Jamie Jones-Buchanan coming on to the bench.

For tonight's other match, the London Broncos' coach, Tony Rea, keeps the same 17 that lost to Warrington. "Our intensity was lacking and our enthusiasm was down for some reason, but Friday gives us the opportunity to get back on the bike and correct the things that went wrong," Rea said.

Wigan expect to welcome back four internationals, including Terry O'Connor, who has not played since Great Britain's second Test against New Zealand in November, because of a foot injury.

The four teams left in the Senior Academy first division have agreed to carry on this season, despite the competition being depleted by other clubs' withdrawals. Barrow, Doncaster, Oldham and Sheffield will play each other four times each. "We are making the best of a bad job," said the Oldham chairman, Chris Hamilton.

Neil Turley of Leigh, one of the sides to withdraw from the Academy competition, has been named as the Arriva Trains Cup Player of the Round after his club record-equalling 38 points against Swinton on Sunday.