Penney drops in to help out Wigan

Wigan have drafted in a reinforcement from their rugby union subsidiary at Orrell in case they need outside help to see them over injury problems.

Wigan have drafted in a reinforcement from their rugby union subsidiary at Orrell in case they need outside help to see them over injury problems.

Rodd Penney, a New Zealander who can play wing or centre, has been training with the Wigan squad, whose regular three-quarters, David Hodgson and Brian Carney, are both injured. Penney will not be able to play in the Powergen Challenge Cup tie in Limoux this Sunday, but might travel with the squad and could come into the reckoning against Huddersfield on 4 April. Previously with North Harbour in New Zealand, he has played for England at Sevens, but has not sampled rugby league before.

Last season, Wigan tackled a similar injury problem by bringing in the Orrell winger, Jon Whittle, for one match. Their coach, Mike Gregory, said: "He is only training with us to see whether he can handle rugby league."

Gregory has delayed naming his squad for the trip to France, but Wigan will not face Limoux's Kiwi prop, Siose Muliumu. He has been suspended for two matches after being referred to the Rugby League's disciplinary committee for use of the forearm in the victory over Halifax in the previous round. The Halifax hooker, Phil Cantillon, left the field with a badly gashed lip. Muliumu is likely to be replaced by the French international Frederic Teixido, who has recovered from a wrist injury.

The former Wigan forward, Andrew Isherwood, now at Leigh, has been banned for one match for the use of his knees in the tie against Hull.

Huddersfield have confirmed that Brandon Costin and Darren Turner will still be missing from their side for the tie against Doncaster on Sunday. The Giants have reduced admission prices for the match.

Bright Sodje will be out for a month after breaking a bone in his hand in the first game of his third stint at Sheffield Eagles against Doncaster last Sunday.