Gregory fined for slur

Calling the referee Robert Connolly "a big-head" and "a poser" has cost the Salford coach, Andy Gregory, a fine of pounds 1500, pounds 1000 of it suspended, writes Dave Hadfield.

Gregory's outburst, after the Super League defeat by Leeds on 6 July, was said by a Rugby League hearing to have "caused hurt and injury to the game". Gregory, who admitted the charge, will not have to pay the major part of the fine if he stays out of trouble until the end of July next year.

The Salford forward Lokeni Savelio has been taken off the transfer list after having decided to stay at the club.

Four lower division clubs - Hull KR and Swinton of the First Division plus Batley and Doncaster from the Second - have been severely reprimanded over brawls that took place in their recent league matches against each other. Batley and Doncaster have also been fined.

The Brisbane Broncos hooker, John Plath, will miss his club's matches against Wigan and his old team, London. Plath, found guilty of a spear tackle, has been suspended for two games.

The former Brisbane player, Butch Fatnowna, has joined London from Workington Town. The full-back or centre has yet to secure a new work permit and is not expected to come into contention for the WCC matches.

Oldham's new Australian, Ian Russell, will make his debut against North Queensland Cowboys at Boundary Park on Friday.