Elliott is free to leave say Bradford

Bradford'S Chairman, Chris Caisley, says he would not stand in the way of his coach, Matthew Elliott, if he wanted to leave to take charge of Wests Tigers in Australia.

Bradford'S Chairman, Chris Caisley, says he would not stand in the way of his coach, Matthew Elliott, if he wanted to leave to take charge of Wests Tigers in Australia.

Elliott is being linked with the job, vacated by the surprise resignation of Wayne Pearce, by newspapers in Australia, but described it as "a sensitive issue" to the Sun-Herald in Sydney.

"I don't want anything to become a distraction over here while we're coming to the business end of the season," he said.

Elliott signed a new, two- year contract recently, but Caisley said: "We have an agreement between us that, if someone wants to go, we wouldn't stand in their way.

"Matthew hasn't told me that he has been approached, but it would not surprise me if he is, because he has done a good job."

The Canterbury assistant coach, Terry Lamb, who was a target for Wigan a year ago, is favourite for the post, but Elliott's record in Britain - and the way that Graham Murray has returned from Leeds to instant success with the Sydney Roosters - makes him a candidate.

Steve Presley, the Castleford-based referee who officiated at Bradford's Challenge Cup final victory over Leeds at Murrayfield in April, is out of action for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Greg McCallum, the Rugby League's director of rugby, described the loss of Presley as "a devastating blow" and said that he had been in his mind as a potential referee for the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford in October.

The reigning Super League champions, St Helens, have completed the signing of Wayne McDonald from Hull. The 6ft 6in forward joined Hull from Wakefield this season, but has been enlisted by Saints on a two-year contract.

The club is checking on the seriousness of an injury to another of their new recruits, the Newcastle Knights' Peter Shiels, but has played down talk of a move for Castleford's winger, Darren Rogers.

Tonga have named Parramatta's Jim Dymock in a 26-man squad for this autumn's Lincoln World Cup, despite fears that Australia might also select him after his outstanding form in the National Rugby League play-offs.

Dymock, who qualifies to play for both countries, is lined up to play next season for the London Broncos, who may also make a move for Leigh's Australian forward, Heath Cruckshank.

Tonga have also named Wakefield's Martin Masella and Tevita Vaikona, of Bradford, along with two players formerly with British clubs, Duane Mann and Paul Koloi. Mann, who has also played for New Zealand, was with Warrington, while Koloi was briefly with Wigan.