Leeds ready to provide baptism of fire for Henderson

The new Bradford hooker Ian Henderson admits he faces a tough baptism as he prepares to make his debut against Leeds this week. Henderson, who joined last week after securing a release from the Australian side Parramatta, has only just recovered from a knee injury.

The new Bradford hooker Ian Henderson admits he faces a tough baptism as he prepares to make his debut against Leeds this week. Henderson, who joined last week after securing a release from the Australian side Parramatta, has only just recovered from a knee injury.

The 22-year-old is relishing a return to action against the Super League champions at Headingley on Friday. Henderson, who was born in Torquay but left the country at the age of five, said: "I'm pretty keen to get out there, playing against a top team and top players over here.

"It is going to be hard coming into a game like that, it will be my first game back. But my fitness is good and I'm sure I'll be all right."

Henderson's arrival solves Bradford's long-standing hooker problem. The club have lacked a regular No 9 since the retirement of James Lowes in 2003. Ryan Hudson, the club's winter signing from Castleford, had previously been earmarked for the role but he never played after testing positive for a banned substance and being sacked by the Bulls.

Henderson joins brothers Andy and Kevin in British rugby league. Andy is the current Castleford captain while Kevin is looking for a new club after being released by Leigh.

Bradford have announced they will take on Bradford & Bingley rugby union club in a cross-code challenge match at Odsal on 31 July.

Wigan's Australian winger, Brett Dallas, has described Sunday's heavy defeat by St Helens, which came a week after a 70-0 loss at Leeds, as an embarrassment and says the club must now accept the threat of relegation is a real one.

"This is the worst I've felt in my entire career," he said yesterday. "I honestly thought Leeds was just a hiccup, which is why I didn't take the thought of relegation very seriously."

Hull are considering whether to sign the New Zealand Test centre, Jamaal Lolesi, on a one-year contract before he joins the new Gold Coast club for their first season in 2007.

Widnes were last night spending an extra night in France following their Powergen Challenge Cup loss in Toulouse due to a strike by airport firefighters.