Rugby League: Schofield happy at move out to centre

GARRY SCHOFIELD, the Great Britain captain, will move without qualms to centre for the World Cup final against Australia at Wembley on 24 October, writes Dave Hadfield. At the Great Britain squad's first get-together yesterday, Schofield, now a stand-off with Leeds, said: 'Malcolm Reilly has spoken to me about the centres and it is not a worry to me at all. With Daryl Powell out injured there is obviously a bit of a gap.'

Retaining the captaincy despite Ellery Hanley's inclusion in the squad is a bigger issue for Schofield. 'It has been said that I could be in the job for two or three years,' he said. 'It's nice to be thought of in those terms, but in the meantime it will be the highlight of my career to lead Great Britain out in a World Cup final.'

Schofield identified Allan Langer, the Australian scrum-half, as the danger man, and said: 'They have so many class players, but Langer is their main man without a doubt. His form during the Australian season makes him probably the best player in the world at the moment.'

Playing at centre would bring Schofield into direct conflict with the Australian captain, Mal Meninga, and revive a few unpleasant memories. 'I played against him in the centres as an 18-year-old on the 1984 tour and he threw me around like a rag doll,' he said. 'I'm older, wiser and a bit heavier now, so hopefully it won't be the same this time.'

Shaun Edwards was equally philosophical about playing, as seems inevitable, in his second favourite position of stand-off. 'I've got to get picked in the side first, but if I do I couldn't care less where I play,' he said.

Injury worries yesterday were confined to Graham Steadman and Kelvin Skerrett needing treatment, and Martin Offiah complaining of some remaining discomfort in his knee.

Widnes have put the former Great Britain centre, Andy Currier, on the transfer list at his own request. They are asking pounds 150,000 for Currier, who is unhappy at being played on the wing this season.

British Coal is ending its sponsorship of the Great Britain team after four seasons.