Depleted Giants recall Kirmond from Wakefield

Kirmond, who played for Stanley Rangers and Featherstone Rovers before he signed for Huddersfield, joined the Wildcats on a season-long loan deal that took scrum-half Danny Brough to the Giants in March.

Giants managing director Richard Thewlis said Kirmond's return would help boost a depleted squad as they target the Grand Final at Old Trafford in October.

"We have lost three top line players recently for varying reasons for the season (Whatuira, Lolesi and Aspinwall) so to be able to add Danny back in is a real boost," he said.

"We need as strong a squad as possible for the challenges ahead and for Danny to be able to play a full part every training session with us is vital for him, so the early release by Wakefield is very much appreciated by us all here."

Kirmond will be travel to Perpignan with the Giants squad tomorrow ahead of Saturday's game against the Catalans Dragons.

The 25-year-old played 16 games for Wakefield and Wildcats' chief executive James Elston said: "Danny has been an excellent loan signing for the Wildcats and we'd like to place on record our appreciation of his service to our club.

"We're in the process of rebuilding our team and will be concentrating on developing our own young talent for the future."

Bradford Bulls have signed New Zealand Warriors' Patrick Ah Van on a one-year contract.

Ah Van, 22, has made 54 appearances for the club, scoring 16 tries and kicking five goals and is a former Junior Kiwi.

Bulls football manager Stuart Duffy said: "We are delighted to have been able to secure Patrick's signature. He comes highly recommended to us and his ability to play equally well at full-back, wing and centre will make him a valuable addition to our squad for next season."

Bulls prop Craig Kopckaz has signed a new three-year contract.

Kopczak, 23, has made 77 appearances for the Bulls since making his debut in 2006 and has figured in all but one of the club's 29 games this season.

Wigan have confirmed that forwards Iafeta Paleaaesina and Phil Bailey will leave this winter.