Rugby League: Wigan aiming to bridge gap

Wigan are maintaining an interest in signing one rugby union player and staging a ground-breaking contest against 15 others, writes Dave Hadfield. The club has been in preliminary talks with Junior Tonu, a half-back and All Black squad member.

Wigan have also had exploratory discussions with Bath about a double- header that would bridge the gap between the codes for the first time since the wartime challenges between the two. The sides would play at Bath under union rules and meet at Old Trafford in a return fixture in the 13-a-side format.

Warrington's Gareth Davies, who has replaced Jonathan Davies in the centre following his return to South Wales, fractured his cheekbone during the defeat by Sheffield Eagles on Sunday and will be out for the rest of the season.

Salford, Oldham and Widnes have all shown interest in the Hull prop, Tim Street, who is transfer-listed at pounds 80,000. The only solid offer for the much-travelled forward has come from Chorley.

Hull say that it could be as long as a fortnight before they announce their new coach, despite reports in Australia that the former Australian Test full-back Phil Sigsworth has got the job.