Weekly round-up

by James Gordon 21 May 2009

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Contract was the word synonymous with the past week, with several players committing their futures to their current clubs, others signing loan deals elsewhere, and those wondering just where their future lies.

Sean Long revealed he could leave St Helens at the end of the season if the club don't offer him a two year deal. The 32-year-old is seeking the security of a longer deal but has been given permission to speak to other clubs, with Saints only expected to offer the former Wigan and Widnes scrum half a one-year-deal.

His St Helens team face fourth placed Harlequins this weekend, and the London club was boosted by the news this week that captain and England international Rob Purdham has committed to the club until the end of 2011. Team mate Chad Randall has also done the same. The former Manly hooker has been an ever present in the capital since arriving in 2006.

The ever improving Danny Kirmond signed a new four year deal with Huddersfield and the Giants completed the loan signing of Wigan back rower Lee Mossop. Meanwhile, Warrington tied up Matty Blythe and Simon Grix to new one year deals at the Halliwell Jones Stadium as fellow Wolves youngsters Kevin Penny and Steve Pickersgill signed for local rivals Widnes on month long loan deals.

Wakefield boss John Kear was forced to play down rumours of unrest at the club following the suspensions of Danny Brough and Danny Sculthorpe, who were fined a weeks wages for a breach of club discipline last weekend.

Play-off hunting Hull were hit with another injury blow, losing Peter Cusack for all but the rest of the season with a dislocated wrist. It wasn't a good week all round in Hull, with their city rivals Hull KR losing Jason Netherton and Stanley Gene for Friday's clash with Castleford.

Elsewhere, Kris Radlinski was signed up for a role with the England national side by Tony Smith and Whitehaven revealed plans to wear a pink kit in their televised clash with Barrow next month. Australia half-back Johnathan Thurston also revealed he could head to Super League in two years time when his North Queensland Cowboys contract is up. The 26-year-old has been approached by two Super League clubs, with three NRL clubs sounding out the Kangaroos star.

And in the most bizarre story of the week, referees boss Stuart Cummings claimed Wigan needed to buy a new hooter for their JJB Stadium following the controversy surrounding the Warriors' defeat to Hull KR last Friday. Referee Richard Silverwood awarded a try to Rovers right on half time when many of the Wigan players felt the half was up after the hooter sounded.

Expect yet more twists this weekend, with St Helens facing a tricky tie against fourth placed Harlequins, with Justin Morgan's Hull KR leading the way to dismount them at the top of the tree. Quins have a game in hand too, and a shock win for them at Knowsley Road would certainly make things interesting. The pick of the round comes at the Halliwell Jones Stadium where Wigan visit Warrington, while Salford could put themselves in the hunt for a play-off spot with a home win over Bradford.

And don't forget you can enjoy the greatest game for free this week - Widnes' Championship clash with Gateshead is free entry for all at the Stobart Stadium, 6pm kick off.