Wear and tear forces Catalan star Jones to quit game

Dave Hadfield
Thursday 06 September 2007 19:00 EDT
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Stacey Jones is to retire after the Catalan Dragons' last two games of the season. The New Zealand scrum-half, rated the best in the world, cited the wear and tear of two serious injuries during his two seasons in Super League. Jones guided the Catalans to the Challenge Cup final last month, the first French side ever to get there.

Andy Coley has finally opted to become a Wigan player, two years after turning them down. The 29-year-old Great Britain squad member is out of contract with relegated Salford and has signed a two-year deal. "Andy is a very genuine forward who can play front or back-row," said his new coach, Brian Noble. The Wigan chairman, Maurice Lindsay, said that there would be more signings, even though he is still in hospital after an operation and the club is up for sale.

Two other Salford players, Karl Fitzpatrick and David Hodgson, are among possible targets before the expected takeover by Ian Lenagan, the current chairman at Harlequins.

Wakefield have signed two players from Huddersfield: Brad Drew and Paul Reilly. Drew has signed a two-year deal, while Reilly has agreed a one-year contract.

Bradford have told two more players that they are not being offered contracts for next season. The Australian second-rower, Chris McKenna, is expected to return home, while Marcus St Hilaire is contemplating retirement.

In Super League tonight, Leeds, one point behind St Helens, have Brent Webb back after suspension against Hull, but Ali Lauitiiti and Ryan Hall are injured, as are Hull's Ewan Dowes and Motu Tony, but Garreth Carvell is back after injury. Saints will have to find a new half-back against Warrington, with Sean Long and Matty Smith both injured.

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