Lam injury hits Wigan hopes

Wigan have suffered a major blow on the eve of their biggest game of the year after Adrian Lam aggravated a knee injury in training.

The Papua New Guinean scrum-half was examined after breaking down this week. He needs surgery and will be out of action for an extended period.

His coach, Mike Gregory, said the loss of Lam was a severe setback for tonight's Super League final eliminator against Leeds at Headingley. "But we are in the fortunate position of having an outstanding alternative in Luke Robinson," he said.

The young Yorkshireman has been a more than adequate replacement for Lam on several occasions this season, but Gregory, who is to be offered a two-year contract, will now be even more anxious for his other play-maker, Andy Farrell, to be fully fit.

The Leeds coach, Daryl Powell, in charge at Headingley for the last time before becoming director of rugby, still has a slight doubt over Barrie McDermott's ankle injury, which could tempt him to bring inRyan Bailey, who was released from custody only this week following his involvement in a brawl in Leeds city centre last year.

Wigan are in the better form, but they have not beaten Leeds this season, losing at home and twice drawing at Headingley. Both sides have been practising drop goals in case it is as close again.

Castleford have confirmed that the Great Britain centre, Paul Newlove, is joining them on a one-year contract after being released by St Helens.

Iestyn Harris has said he has no plans to return to rugby league, after turning down an approach from an unnamed Super League club last month.

London have signed the Wakefield winger, Jon Wells, on a two-year deal.

Huddersfield have agreed a one-year extension with Brandon Costin.