Lennon tempted home by Australian contract

Castleford have confirmed that their Australian utility player, Mark Lennon, is leaving them to return home and join Manly.

Lennon has missed most of this season with a broken leg, but had hoped to get back on to the field in time to earn himself a new contract at Castleford. He has now decided instead to take an incentive-based offer from the Australian club.

Castleford's chief executive, Richard Wright, said: "We were hoping to have Mark back to show us some form, as it was difficult to offer him a new deal after being out for so long with injury."

Lennon, who qualifies for Wales through his Welsh-born mother, could still be available to play for them against Australia and in the European Nations Cup this autumn before joining Manly for pre-season training.

Another Australian could be leaving his British club with Wakefield's veteran, Brad Davis, admitting that he is attracted by the offer of a player-coach role with the French side Villeneuve.

Davis, the oldest player in Super League at 35, says he is "dumbfounded" by recent events at Wakefield, especially the decision to dispense with the services of Adrian Vowles.

St Helens now have two vacancies to fill on their coaching staff, with the decision of their part-time Academy coach, David Lyon, not to accept the offer of a full-time post. Saints have already lost Jon Sharp, who will be joining Huddersfield as their head coach next season, and Leigh's Paul Terzis is being touted as a possible successor.

Hull fear that they have lost Richard Fletcher for the season with a knee injury, but hope that he will avoid a major reconstructive operation.

Bradford hope to have their Great Britain international, Leon Pryce, back from a sternum injury in time for the match against Leeds on Sunday.