Tallis' retirement gives new boost to British hopes

Gorden Tallis, the man who would have led Australia in Britain this autumn, is out of the tour after announcing his retirement from international rugby.

The 30-year-old Brisbane second-rower, who was certain to be captain in the absence of the injured Andrew Johns, has decided to stand down because of the physical toll the game has taken on him. "Leading Australia on a Kangaroo tour is the highest honour, but my body has told me that it is just not up to it," he said.

Two other Brisbane players, Darren Lockyer and Shane Webcke, are now the obvious candidates for the captaincy, but another Bronco, Brent Tate, has joined the lengthening list of those who will not be touring because of injury.

Penrith have said that they will demand an explanation from the selectors if their stand-off, Preston Campbell, is omitted from the Kangaroo party when it is named this weekend.

The Wigan coach, Mike Gregory, has admitted that Andy Farrell could be a doubt for Great Britain if his knee injury does not improve.

International matches are likely to remain on Sky, rather than the BBC, in the latest twist to the negotiations over broadcasting rights.

Sky's latest offer of £48m to continue to screen Super League for five years includes the rights to screen an annual Tri-Nations tournament between Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand - which the Rugby League was keen to have on terrestrial television.

An offer of £10m from the BBC for five years of the Challenge Cup would take the overall value of the two deals above the £55.5m that was on offer from Sky for the status quo, so the League still points to a slight increase. The Leeds chief executive, Gary Hetherington, said that he did not believe clubs would try to cut their own deal. "But there is a resolve to secure a better offer," he said.

Paul Rowley will miss Leigh's National League One Grand Final against Salford on Sunday after being suspended for two matches for the high tackle for which he was sent off when the clubs last met. His team-mate, Ricky Bibey, has been cleared to play after avoiding suspension for tripping in the same game.

Gavin Clinch, who was the victim of Rowley's tackle, has been named as NL1's Player of the Year, as well as winning the Players' Association award.

Warrington's massive improvement this year has been rewarded by a rush for season tickets for 2004. The club sold 500 in four hours after making seats in their new Halliwell Jones Stadium available.