Rugby League: Gloom for Hulme

THE Widnes captain, David Hulme, is likely to be out of action until Christmas after dislocating his shoulder late in the game against Salford on Wednesday, writes Dave Hadfield.

Hulme is resigned to needing an operation and his absence will be a major blow to a side already short of experience.

Wigan have had better news over Frano Botica, their stand-off and goalkicker who damaged knee ligaments against Sheffield Eagles on Sunday.

Botica is now expected to be fit again in a fortnight, but Henry Paul is likely to deputise at Oldham this Sunday.

The Parramatta full-back, Scott Mahon, has arrived in England and will go straight into Salford's side at St Helens on the same day.

Workington Town have had no such luck with their new Australian recruit, Kyle White. The Western Suburbs forward was due to arrive in time to play against Sheffield this weekend, but a delay in obtaining a work permit means that his debut will now be postponed until next week.

Workington have dropped their interest in the Swinton forward, Tony Barrow, who is also a target for Salford and whose asking price has risen as a result.

The backroom staff to work alongside the new Great Britain coach, Ellery Hanley, will be named today. Among the appointments will be a team manager, an assistant coach and possibly a consultant brought in from overseas.