Hull hope high-class Phelps cures their back trouble

Hull have signed Cameron Phelps, who was with Wigan last season, to tackle their full-back problems. Having sacked Jordan Tansey on Tuesday for disciplinary breaches, they yesterday signed Phelps, previously with Canterbury Bulldogs in his native Australia, on a one-year contract. "To find a player of his calibre at this stage of the season gives us tremendous options," said Hull coach Richard Agar. "In the first half of last season, he was one of Wigan's stand-out performers."

Phelps managed just seven games last season because of injuries and was not offered a contract for this season. He still has to obtain a new visa and will not be available for Hull's derby against Hull KR in Cardiff on Sunday.

Hull have promoted 19-year-old half-back Lee Williams to their first-team squad. Williams was not offered a full-time contract for this season, but has impressed training with the senior side.

Huddersfield have signed winger/centre Jamie Simpson from South Sydney.

St Helens hope to have both their first-choice half-backs available for the match against Wigan the same day. Leon Pryce is thought to have recovered from a neck problem, while Kyle Eastmond has returned ahead of schedule from an ankle operation.

The Catalan Dragons' French international prop Rémi Casty has agreed a new, four-year contract.