Operation ends Costin's season

Brandon Costin will miss the rest of Huddersfield's season after being told that he needs a shoulder operation. The Australian centre or stand-off, the joint leading try-scorer in Super League this season with 19, was yesterday named as the competition's player of the month for July, but he will not now play again until 2004.

Castleford have signed another player for next season, but say that they cannot name him yet because of an agreement with his current club.

The two Leeds players jailed last month for violent disorder, Chev Walker and Ryan Bailey, are likely to decide this week whether to appeal.

Widnes's Halton Stadium is to host the double-header of National League Grand Finals on 5 October. The winners of the NL1 final will be eligible for promotion to Super League, in place of Halifax, next season.