Rugby League: Martin agrees new deal with Featherstone

THE Featherstone Rovers coach, Steve Martin, has boosted the club prior to their Challenge Cup tie at Wigan by agreeing a one-year contract, writes Dave Hadfield.

Martin has been linked with numerous jobs in both Britain and Australia since his arrival at the start of last season, but his decision removes doubts about his immediate future.

Featherstone will be without their Great Britain Under- 21 stand-off, Francis Maloney, for the tie. Maloney, who has recently come off the transfer list, has undergone a minor groin operation and will be out for up to four weeks.

Wigan's coach, John Dorahy, has been fined pounds 250 for criticising the referee, Robin Whitfield, after last week's defeat by Wakefield Trinity. Dorahy had already apologised for the first such outburst of his career.