Rugby League: League to fine errant clubs

SUPER LEAGUE clubs face heavy fines if they breach a new code of conduct which is to be adopted at the end of this month.

Clubs responsible for blunders like clashes of colours and wrongly numbered shirts will have part of their Sky TV pay-out withheld under the code. "It is a way of whipping clubs into line and making them aware of their responsibilities," said Super League's managing director, Maurice Lindsay.

There is concern that the administration at one or two clubs is letting down the rest and that hitting them in their pockets is the only way of making them lift their game. Many of the requirements will be based on the Rugby League's "Framing the Future" blueprint, which was published three years ago, but the new code, which will be discussed by clubs on 29 March, will impose more specific standards.

"Amateurish things like clashes of shirt colours will never happen again," said Lindsay.

Leeds, already definitely deprived of the services of Anthony Farrell, fear that they will also be without Marcus St Hilaire, Richie Blackmore and Adrian Morley for the game with Wigan tomorrow night. All three missed the Challenge Cup victory at Widnes on Sunday and are rated as very doubtful.

Dominic Peters will make only his second start for the London Broncos at Sheffield on Saturday. The Broncos will also have Shane Millard back from injury and Peter Gill returning from suspension to strengthen their pack at the Don Valley.

Paul Davidson is staying at St Helens after being reassured that he has a future at the club. The Cumbrian forward was a target for Wigan, but they were unwilling to pay a fee for him. Anthony Sullivan could also return to the team against Gateshead on Sunday.