Newton's record ban extended

Newton failed in his attempt to have his three-match ban for a high tackle on St Helens' Lee Gilmour reduced. He also failed to convince the appeals panel that he was not guilty of an incident in the same match that left Sean Long with a fractured cheekbone.

Worse still for one of the game's more controversial players, he has now been banned until 15 April next year. His original suspension was already the longest imposed for foul play in the Super League era; he will now, depending on the timetable of next season, miss 12 or 13 games.

"Terry is shocked and devastated," his solicitor, Richard Cramer, said. "I think we proved that he did not lead with his arm in the Long incident. In my view he was not guilty of that, so it's very, very harsh. I will have to sit down with Terry and Wigan and see where we go from here."

The Cronulla full-back David Peachey has confirmed his intention to join Widnes next season, despite the club being relegated from Super League.

Widnes announced the signing of Peachey in mid-season. Since then, they have finished a miserable season in 11th place and will be in National League 1 next year, unless the winners of that competition are refused promotion.

"Now I'm showing my commitment to the club, even though they may be looking at relegation," Peachey said. "I've an ambition to take this once-mighty club back to its most successful playing days."

Wigan's new signing, Pat Richards, has been cleared to play for Wests Tigers against the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL Grand Final on Sunday.

Bradford have Paul Deacon and Michael Withers back for their elimination semi-final against Hull on Saturday.

The former Wigan hooker Martin Hall has been appointed Welsh coach for the European Nations Cup, and will take charge against Scotland on 16 October.