York and Skolars to join professionals

The game's governing body, the Rugby League Council, is today expected to approve the return of York to the professional ranks for next season, as well as the elevation of a second London club.

The London Skolars have been successful at amateur level and will now join the London Broncos in representing the code as a senior club in the capital. York went out of business in March, but have regrouped under new ownership and are also expected to be welcomed back into the fold.

There will be disappointment for another defunct club, however, with Bramley already being told that their application has not been recommended for acceptance. Other clubs were worried that the revived club's plan to play in Morley would cut into their support base.

The two clubs set for acceptance will complete a new structure for the professional game outside Super League from next season onward.

The current Northern Ford Premiership of 18 clubs will be transformed into two divisions of 10, to be known as National League I and II.

NFP clubs voted for that change earlier this year, but several later expressed reservations. A campaign of persuasion appears to have convinced them anew that two, more competitive, divisions would be in their best interests.

Hull have re-signed the Australian second-row forward Adam Maher for another two years and are waiting for an answer from Tony Smith to their offer of an extra season's contract. The club are also hoping to sign up to four new players for next season, with the Cronulla winger, Colin Best, lined up to become the first after failing to agree terms with another Australian club, Penrith.

Hull's centre, Toa Kohe-Love, is being linked with a possible return to his former club, Warrington, after just one season on Humberside.