Probe launched into trouble at Championship Grand Final

The Rugby League is investigating the crowd trouble at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday which spilled outside and left a Halifax supporter critically ill.

Police believe that the man's head injuries could have been caused by an attack by Featherstone fans after the Championship Grand Final.

The game had been interrupted for 45 minutes by a small fire in a stand and there was a brief outbreak of hostilities when Halifax spectators were moved to the end of the ground mainly occupied by Featherstone supporters.

The League complimented the Rovers fans on their "co-operation and patience" during the evacuation, although the fire appears to have been started by somebody smoking in a disabled toilet.

The Super League Grand Final between Wigan and St Helens at Old Trafford on Saturday is heading for a 72,000 sell-out. The match is to be refereed by Richard Silverwood and there will be a minute of either silence or applause in memory of Terry Newton.

Denis Betts is a contender for the vacant coaching post at Harlequins. The former Great Britain second-rower had a spell in charge of Wigan, but has spent the last four years in rugby union with Gloucester.

Quins have recalled their assistant coach, Rob Powell, from his other job in charge of the Lebanese national side, but have sent out another of their staff, Latham Tawhai, to take over.

Powell is required back in London to take charge of the start of the club's pre-season training. Harlequins have re-signed one of their local products, the 21-year-old back-rower, Ben Bolger, for another two seasons.

Bradford have re-signed three of their young players, Jason Crookes, Steve Crossley and Danny Addy, on two-year contracts.