Kear moves 'out of comfort zone' to Batley

John Kear was announced as the replacement for Halifax-bound Karl Harrison (GETTY IMAGES)

John Kear says he is happy to step down a division and become a part-time coach with Batley. The Co-operative Championship club have announced Kear as the replacement for Halifax-bound Karl Harrison just three days after his last game in charge of Wakefield.

"I was very flattered by the offer," said Kear, who last worked on a part-time basis with Bramley in 1989, of Batley's approach. "It's a club that has progressed markedly in the last couple of years. It's a different challenge and that appeals to me. It's taken me out of my comfort zone, because I'm used to the luxury of having full-time players at my beck and call."

Andy Hay is leaving his job as assistant at Castleford, where Ian Millward is taking over from Terry Matterson as head coach. Wigan's Sam Tomkins has been elected as the Rugby League Writers' player of the year.

The Wales coach, Iestyn Harris, has included the Cumbrian-born Peter Lupton in his squad for this autumn's internationals. Lupton qualifies through the residency rule. Two Australian players, Tyson Frizell of Cronulla and Matt Seamark from Wynnum-Manly, are also included.

Rod Findlay has resigned as chief executive of Crusaders, who have applied to play in the Championship after pulling out of Super League.