Paul refuses Quins' offer of return to original code

Harlequins RL, the successors to the London Broncos, have admitted defeat in their attempts to bring Henry Paul back to his original code, but have signed two other players to strengthen their squad for next season.

"We tried, but in the end he didn't fancy it,'' said the club's chief executive, Nic Cartwright, of the former Wigan and Bradford player, who is now out of favour at Gloucester.

Quins have had more success elsewhere, signing Salford's teenage stand-off Tim Hartley, and the Manly prop Daniel Heckenberg, who has already represented Scotland and will not count towards the club's overseas quota. They plan to make two more signings, one for the centres and one for the back row, where they had hoped to play Paul.

Promoted Castleford will today announce the signings of the former Huddersfield forward, Ben Roarty, and the ex-Widnes winger Gray Viane.

Leeds have released Scott Murrell, who is set to join Hull KR, despite interest from Castleford and York.

The Welsh international centre, Adam Hughes, has rejected overtures from the new Welsh club, the Celtic Crusaders, to join Leigh.