Western Reds may try to sign Joyner

Rugby League

Castleford could face competition for their coach, John Joyner, from the Perth-based Western Reds. Joyner has been in charge at Castleford for three years and is recognised to have done a good job on limited resources, but his contract expires at the end of this season. The former Great Britain international said he had not been approached by the Reds.

"But you have to consider opportunities that come along," he said. "I would never say I would not do it - especially if it was a good offer and I fancied it."

The Reds were one of four clubs launched into what was the Winfield Cup 15 months ago and they were, in the short term, the most successful.

But the cost of travelling across Australia every other week and paying for visiting teams to do so has been a heavy financial burden, leaving the club's future far from certain.

If they are in a position to make a bid for Joyner, however, Castleford would be loath to lose one of the best young coaches in the British game.

Halifax, who are still waiting for an answer from the Widnes stand-off, Christian Tyrer, plan the announcement of another new signing - which they describe as a very major one for the club - tomorrow morning.

Warrington have rejected an approach from St Helens for their Welsh international stand-off, Iestyn Harris. Saints were said to be willing to give two players and cash for Harris, but Warrington have turned down the idea out of hand.