Wilby the new man in charge at Hull

Rugby League

DAVE HADFIELD

One of the game's most colourful and well-travelled characters, Tim Wilby, has taken over as chairman of Hull. Wilby, who had two spells with Hull as a player, is ploughing in the fortune he has made in property development.

"Money will be available for strengthening the team," Wilby said. "Humberside needs a Super League team and there is no option to merge with Hull Kingston Rovers at the moment. We'll make it on our own."

Wilby has put an initial pounds 300,000 into the club to make him the major shareholder. All but two of the club's directors have stood down.

Wakefield Trinity have drawn up a unique ground-sharing plan with the town's rugby union club. The two are to set up a joint company to oversee the building of a 15,000 all-seat stadium, probably next door to Yorkshire Cricket Club's proposed new ground at Durkar.

Castleford are negotiating with Wakefield District Council and developers with a view to building a multi-sport stadium to replace Wheldon Road, their home for the last 70 years.

Simon Knox, Warren Jowitt, Paul Medley and Tahi Reihana are all possible choices to replace Jeremy Donougher in the Bradford second row for the Silk Cut Challenge Cup semi-final against Leeds on Saturday. Donougher will be out of action for two months with a broken ankle. Leeds have Adrian Morley and Tony Kemp rated as doubtful.

Morley's elder brother, St Helens' second-row Chris, could miss Friday's Super League meeting with Wigan. He has been cited by the over an alleged high tackle in last Saturday's semi-final victory over Salford.

Iestyn Harris's career is deeper in limbo than ever, with Warrington saying they will not sell him to St Helens and that he will not play again for them.