Godwin signing gives Wigan extra cover

Denis Betts, the Wigan coach, has denied that the club will be overstaffed at hooker for next season. Wigan yesterday confirmed the signing of Wayne Godwin from relegated Castleford on a two-year contract. He joins the Great Britain hooker, Terry Newton, and another specialist, Mark Smith, at the JJB.

Denis Betts, the Wigan coach, has denied that the club will be overstaffed at hooker for next season. Wigan yesterday confirmed the signing of Wayne Godwin from relegated Castleford on a two-year contract. He joins the Great Britain hooker, Terry Newton, and another specialist, Mark Smith, at the JJB.

"You need 30 players to be competitive and cover for injuries," Betts said. "Wayne will be a great addition to the squad and I think he could even reach international standard."

The Wakefield half-back or hooker, Paul Handforth, who figured in the club's run to the Super League play-offs, is expected to join Castleford as Godwin's replacement after rejecting a new contract offer from the Wildcats.

Swinton have re-signed their former player, Ian Watson, on a two-year contract as they try to build on this year's success in reaching the National League Two play-offs. The Oldham and Wales half-back is the club's first new recruit for 2005. "The key is to keep improving and this is the sort of player we have to bring in," said the Lions' coach, Paul Kidd, who is also hopeful of signing the Coventry centre, Kurt Johnson.

Stuart Littler, of Salford and Halifax, and the Australian-born loose forward Pat Weisner, are newcomers in the Irish squad to play Wales on Sunday.

The fearsome Penrith second-rower, Tony Puletua, could miss the Tri-Nations in Britain this autumn after being told by his club that they expect him back in Sydney for a shoulder operation after this Saturday's match against Australia in Auckland. Australia's players for the tournament have had to sign a strict code of conduct after disciplinary problems on previous trips.

Mobile phones have been banned and players have been told that they will not be compensated for loss or theft on the tour, after several thousand dollars went missing on their visit last year.