Jackson to face biting allegation

The London Broncos centre, Rob Jackson, has been cited for alleged biting in the defeat at Hull on Monday and will appear at a disciplinary hearing today.

The charge arises out of an incident late in the match, but the Broncos coach, Tony Rea, said: "It would be totally out of character for Rob. I haven't looked at the video in detail, but my recollection of it is that someone may have stuck a hand in his mouth.

"If he has done it, he deserves his punishment, but if he hasn't we'll defend him." Hull's captain, Jason Smith, will not face any action over a suspected high tackle on Stuart Fielden in last Thursday's match at Bradford and will be available to play at Wigan on Friday.

Wigan could be without Julian O'Neill and Paul Johnson after they picked up foot and knee injuries respectively in Monday's defeat at St Helens, but Kris Radlinski could be fit.

Wigan have had a number of complaints from their supporters over what they described as provocation by Saints' half-time entertainer, Neil Holding, on Monday.

The Warrington performance director, Steve Anderson, has apologised for not attending the press conference after his side's defeat by Widnes the same day. The Wolves captain, Brett Rodwell, went to the conference and explained that Anderson "could not trust himself" to talk to the media.

The Rugby League has denied that a decision has been made to open New Zealand's tour this autumn with a match against the champions of the Northern Ford Premiership. A plan circulating in the southern hemisphere also shows the Kiwis playing Wales, England and the Super League winners, as well as appearing in the final game at The Boulevard before Hull move to a new ground.

"There are some things we are still discussing," said the RFL's spokesman, John Huxley.

The former Leeds coach, Graham Murray, is being lined up as the new coach at North Queensland, who are expected to sack Murray Hurst this week. Murray himself was sacked by the Sydney Roosters last season.

* The National Rugby League said it will not investigate alleged attempts by the actor Russell Crowe to lure Cronulla's Preston Campbell and St George Illawarra's Nathan Blacklock to the team he follows, South Sydney Rabbitohs.