League investigates racial abuse claim

The Rugby League is investigating an allegation of racial abuse by a Wakefield player in their match at Widnes last weekend.

The claim that the Widnes forward, Anthony Farrell, was abused by an unnamed opponent was included in the report from the match referee, Steve Ganson. The case of Salford's Simon Baldwin, accused of a similar offence in the match against Whitehaven earlier this season, is still working its way through the system.

Steve McNamara is leaving Huddersfield at the end of the season to take up a coaching position at his former club, Bradford. McNamara was not offered a new playing contract but was expected to be a candidate for an assistant's role under next season's coach, Jon Sharp.

Instead, McNamara is returning to the club with whom he won Super League in 1997. Bradford's current loose forward, Mike Forshaw, says he is still considering his options for next season, amid reports that he has agreed terms with Warrington.

Halifax's acting chief executive, Stephen Pearson, has died of cancer at the age of 47. Although Halifax will be relegated this season, he is widely credited with averting the financial implosion that was looming earlier this year. The club's coach, Tony Anderson, has agreed a new, 12-month contract to try to bring them back at the first attempt.

London Broncos will give a debut to Joel Caine at Halifax tonight, provided he arrives from Australia in good shape. He is likely to be on the bench, with London's other loan player from Wests Tigers, Steve Trindall.

Liam Botham is on stand-by for his Super League debut for Leeds at Castleford, with Chris McKenna out and Gary Connolly doubtful. Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Richard Mathers have also been added to the squad.