Rugby league: Duo return for Leeds

A RELIEVED Leeds have drafted two of their casualties, Adrian Morley and Marcus St Hilaire, back into their squad for their Silk Cut Challenge Cup semi-final against Bradford on Sunday.

The return of Morley, out for three games with a dead-leg, is a huge boost for Leeds as they prepare for what is certain to be a demanding contest at the McAlpine Stadium. The Great Britain international will come straight back into the second row in place of Andy Hay, who is ruled out with a broken thumb.

St Hilaire, the utility player who has been used to great effect from the bench over the last year, has recovered from the hamstring injury that kept him out of the defeat by Wigan a week ago.

"He is an important player for us and could be in the starting side," said the Leeds coach, Graham Murray. "He certainly goes straight into the 17."

Murray's other doubts - Richie Blackmore, Brad Godden and Anthony Farrell - will not train flat-out until tomorrow and a decision on whether they will play could be left until the morning of the match. "I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but I'm hopeful for all three of them," Murray said.

Bradford will adopt the same policy with their injured players, the Australian winger, Michael Withers, and the veteran forward, Bernard Dwyer.

The Salford chairman, John Wilkinson, has insisted that Andy Gregory will still be there as coach for the club's next game, against Warrington on Good Friday, despite internal disciplinary procedures that have been put in motion over his remarks following the defeat at Wakefield last Sunday.

Wigan are poised to sign the Lancashire Lynx stand-off, Phil Jones, today after increasing their transfer offer to pounds 35,000. The 21-year-old was the Second Division Player of the Year last season, when he set club records for goals and points.

Sheffield Eagles are to re-visit one of their temporary homes from their nomadic days 10 years ago when they play Bradford at Chesterfield's football ground on 5 June.

Melbourne's New Zealand Test forward, Stephen Kearney, will miss the Test against Australia after being suspended for six matches for dangerous lifting in a tackle.