Rugby League: Hetherington signs three players from Eagles

Gary Hetherington, the new Leeds chief executive, has returned to his former club, Sheffield Eagles, to sign three players. The young half-backs, Ryan Sheridan and Dean Lawford, plus the former Huddersfield loose forward, Anthony Farrell, are all joining Leeds for next year's Super League season.

Sheridan and Lawford were both products of Sheffield's successful junior scouting system. Their arrival will probably end Leeds' interest in Warrington's transfer-listed Iestyn Harris.

Farrell, rather over-ambitiously, touted as "the new Ellery Hanley" in his younger days, has had his career so far blighted by injury, but Hetherington remains a firm admirer.

The bearer of a famous Rugby League name will head the Super League's clubs' quest for a higher profile next year with the appointment Colin Myler as the first chief executive of Rugby League Europe.

Myler, born in Widnes and a member of a clan that includes numerous distinguished players, will be based in London. His presence there may help to tap greater marketing opportunities.

The First and Second Division clubs, which have recently formed a cohesive power bloc of their own, have also advertised for a general manager.

In Sydney, the Australian Rugby League have made an even more significant appointment. Their new chief executive, replacing John Quayle, who resigned last month, is the Balmain president, Neil Whittaker.

Whittaker, 38, has had both sorts of education. He is a university graduate and a former hooker for Balmain in the Winfield Cup.