Hull forward Chester forced to retire at 29

(GETTY IMAGES)

Hull KR's back row forward, Chris Chester, has been forced to retire at the age of 29 by a neck injury. Chester has not played since suffering the injury against the Catalan Dragons last month and was already ruled out for the rest of this season. He's one of only seven players to have appeared in all 13 seasons of Super League, starting his career at Halifax and playing for Wigan and Hull before joining Rovers.

Castleford have confirmed the signing of Dean Widders, the Parramatta utility forward, on a three year deal starting next season.

Widders, who will be used primarily as a back rower, is the second major Australasian signing for the club this month, following the Kiwi scrum-half or hooker, Rangi Chase. Castleford, currently bottom of Super League, are also expected to announce signings of Ryan Hudson from Huddersfield, Ben Cockayne from Hull KR and James Evans from Bradford after the signing deadline at the end of this month.

The Bradford full back, Michael Platt, will miss the rest of the regular season after being suspended for three matches for head butting and throwing punches.

Hull's Gareth Raynor has been suspended for one game for striking.