Hard-up Halifax to propose pay cuts for players

Halifax will present their players with proposals for pay cuts today as the club struggles to reduce costs.

The players met Andy Goodway, the chairman of the Rugby League Players' Association, yesterday as they prepared for drastic cuts in the money on offer for next season.

Several of the more experienced players may leave, further weakening a team that only just avoided relegation. "We are trying to get to grips with the financial problems which dog not just us but every club in Super League," said one of the club's two remaining directors, Bob Sweeney.

Wigan's Jamie Ainscough has a painful legacy of a tackle against St Helens in July which knocked out several of Martin Gleeson's teeth.

The winger feared he had broken his arm during Saturday's defeat at Bradford, but he has been told he has a bone infection – caused by a tooth embedded in it – and could be out for the rest of the season.

Wigan are already without Brett Dallas and Paul Johnson for the season, with Brian Carney and Kris Radlinski also likely to miss Friday's game against Leeds.

Saints have signed the England Under-19 back-rower, Jon Wilkins, from Hull KR, whose coach, Gary Wilkinson, is also to leave. "I won't be renewing my contract for reasons I want to keep to myself," he said.

The Saints hooker Keiron Cunningham will captain Wales against New Zealand on 3 November. He said: "I have always been proud to represent my grandfather's country."

Bradford have denied reports they have signed Ali Lauiti'iti, the New Zealand Warriors' second-rower. "We have made a signing to replace Brandon Costin on our overseas quota, but it definitely isn't him," said a spokesman. They have been linked with another Warrior, Shontayne Hape.