Rugby League: Hall agrees two-year Wigan deal

Wigan have been given a major boost for their Silk Cut Challenge Cup tie at St Helens this Saturday with the news that their Welsh international hooker, Martin Hall, is to stay with the club.

Hall had been due to join the Australian Rugby League, but has negotiated his way out of that lucrative contract and has signed a new, two-year deal with Wigan, for whom he has played since joining them from Rochdale Hornets four years ago.

The Wigan coach, Graeme West, welcomed the resolution of Hall's future, and said that he would reclaim his place in the front row to face Saints.

The St Helens captain, Bobbie Goulding, has pledged himself to give his all for the Cup holders in the fourth round tie, despite submitting a transfer request this week.

Another unsettled player, the Leeds hooker, Mick Shaw, is joining lowly Bramley on loan. Shaw still wants to move to another Super League club, but feels that playing for Bramley will put him in the shop window.

Rochdale are trying to sign the New Zealander, Nathan Picchi, who was released by Leeds earlier this week.