Ashton offered new contract

The 19-year-old England international is out of contract at the end of the current season, and expressions of interest have come from Northampton, Leicester and London Irish.

"We made an offer over two weeks ago and it is now in the hands of his agent," said coach Brian Noble.

In 2001 the Rugby Football League set up a fund to prevent union-targeted players crossing the divide, but now Noble would like to see more done to keep young players like Ashton is the sport.

"I think the game as a whole should take a look at these approaches from rugby union clubs to young rugby league starlets," added Noble.