Smith boosts Knights' squad

York Knights have further strengthened their squad for their first season by signing the Welsh international winger, Chris Smith, on a week-by-week basis.

Smith, previously with St Helens and Castleford, was released by Hull at the end of last season but still believes in his ability to play at the top level. "Chris is still looking for a side in Super League and wanted to place himself at a club where he could show his talents," Steve Ferres, the Knights' chief executive, said.

Smith is expected to make his debut in the Knights' inaugural fixture, against Hull KR in the new Arriva Trains Cup tomorrow. That will mean a rapid reunion with two former Hull team-mates, with Paul Parker in line to make his debut for Rovers alongside Craig Poucher.

The club has also signed the New Zealander Latham Tawhai, who played for Rochdale last season.

The London Skolars also make their competitive debut, playing host to tough opposition in the shape of Dewsbury.

The first round of the group matches in the revamped competition features a number of derbies, including the resumption of Swinton's local rivalry with Salford.

The London Broncos have had to draft in local players for their match against the Australian club, Wests-Tigers, in Gosford today. The Broncos have suffered a series of injuries at their pre-season training camp and the loss of Dennis Moran and Chris Thorman has left them without a specialist scrum-half.

The former Wigan and New Zealand centre, Dean Bell, has agreed a contract to extend his stay at Wigan, so scotching rumours that he was about to return home to supervise the national development scheme. Bell will continue to supervise the conveyor-belt of young talent at the JJB Stadium.

The Rugby League has confirmed that the French club, Union Treize Catalan, are to be invited to apply for a Super League place in 2005.