Pratt steps in for injured Radlinski

Karl Pratt has been called into Great Britain's Tri-Nations squad as a replacement for the injured Kris Radlinski.

Radlinski was sent to London yesterday for specialist assessment of the back problem that kept him out of the match against Australia on Saturday. The Great Britain coach, Brian Noble, said: "Kris will take no further part in the tournament."

Noble added that the blow of losing the Wigan full-back was eased by the quality of Paul Wellens' performance in the role at the City of Manchester Stadium. Full-back is one position that Pratt has not played for the Bulls this year.

He had an unhappy time on the wing in his last international appearance in 2002, when Henry Fa'afili, who is in the Kiwi squad for this Saturday's game at Huddersfield, outjumped him for a hat-trick of tries. Noble is hopeful that Brian Carney, who went off with cramp in his hamstring, and Sean O'Loughlin and Paul Johnson, both ruled out by illness, will all be available against the Kiwis.

Widnes have signed the South Sydney stand-off, Owen Craigie."We feel he will be one of the most talented stand-offs in the competition," said the club's coach, Frank Endacott.

Widnes still intend to sign another half-back, although their chances of securing New Zealand's Thomas Leuluai appear to be receding.