Inglis set for Four Nations despite court case

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rugby league Greg Inglis is expected to arrive in England with the Australia team for the Four Nations this weekend, despite appearing in court on assault charges in Melbourne tomorrow. Inglis, rated one of the world's best players, will plead not guilty to assaulting his girlfriend and hopes to have the case put off until the new year.

Although other players have been denied work visas because of legal proceedings, the Australians do not anticipate any difficulties in getting the Melbourne Storm player into Britain for the four-week tournament. "There is nothing to prevent him from touring," said the ARL's chief executive, Geoff Carr.

Two other players have been given the all-clear to join the Australia party after recovering from injuries. Kurt Gidley, younger brother of St Helens' Matt, has been passed fit after a calf problem, while the Melbourne prop Brett White has been cleared of a shoulder injury. There are still minor doubts over full-back Billy Slater and Parramatta second-rower Nathan Hindmarsh, but they too are set to make the trip.