Phelps heads to Wigan

Canterbury have released their utility back, Cameron Phelps, so that he can join Wigan next month. The 24-year-old wing or centre will play his last game for the Bulldogs against Cronulla on Monday.

“Cameron has requested an opportunity to further his career overseas and he has been a tremendous servant to this club,” said the Canterbury chief executive, Todd Greenberg.

Phelps is not registered for the Challenge Cup and Wigan have no match the following week, so it will be mid-June before he can make his debut. His arrival with enable Phil Bailey to move back into the pack to cover for the loss of Sean O’Loughlin for the next three months.

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Harlequins will be without their leading try-scorer, Matt Gafa, for the rest of the season. The centre, with ten tries so far this year, suffered a serious pectoral injury in the victory over Hull on Sunday, separating the tendon from the bone.

“We’re going to miss a try-scorer but, as with any of our injuries this season, it will open a door for another of our exciting juniors,” said Quins’ coach, Brian McDermott.

Oldham have signed the British Army’s dual code Fijian international winger, Ben Seru, who played against them in the early rounds of the Cup.

The 30-year-old will not be able to play in next week’s quarter-final against Wakefield, but Oldham’s chairman, Chris Hamilton, said: “This is an exciting signing for us.”

The Hull KR captain, Michael Vella, has signed on for another three years at the club.

The Super League leaders, Leeds, will be without their French signing, Eric Anselme, for tonight’s game at Bradford. Under the terms of his loan from Albi, he is being released to play for them against Limoux in the French Cup Final.

The Rhinos replace him in their squad for Odsal with Luke Burgess, who could face his younger bother, the Bulls’ Sam.

Bradford have two Kiwi internationals, Joe Vagana and Shontayne Hape, available again after injury as they look to change the pattern after two defeats by the Rhinos so far this season.