Crusaders are looking to tie up a deal for Gareth Raynor to become the Welsh engage Super League club’s ninth addition, although the former Great Britain wing’s pending court appearance on fraud charges would necessitate a short-term contract.
Hull parted company last month with Raynor, who had one year left on his contract. But the Wrexham-based club are hoping to secure his services for the season-opener against Leeds Rhinos at the Racecourse Ground on Friday week. Depending on the outcome of Raynor’s case on April 17, the 31-year-old could be offered a more permanent deal.
Raynor and Catriona Thomson, 27, his partner, face 14 fraud and counterfeiting charges over alleged trading of ink cartridges on the internet and copying of computer games.
Brian Noble, the Crusaders coach, selected Raynor for Great Britain on six occasions between 2005 and 2007. He scored a crucial try in a 23-12 victory over Australia in Sydney in 2006.
Wakefield Wildcats have declared an interest in Lesley Vainikolo, the former Bradford Bulls wing whose contract at Gloucester ends this year, but concede that he is more likely to remain in rugby union abroad.
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Doctors were unable to sew back the finger that Terry Matterson, the Castleford Tigers coach, lost during a bizarre accident on the club’s pre- season camp in Perpignan last week. The 42-year-old suffered the injury when his wedding ring was caught on a steel fence as he climbed over to retrieve a ball.
Matterson said: “I saw a ball by a tree the other side of the fence and went to retrieve it but it was higher than I thought and I had to put my hand on to push myself off. I got down and threw the ball back but then looked down and the finger was gone.
“The boys then saw the finger stuck on top of the fence and they put it in ice. The specialist said it was too difficult to put it back on.”