Relief for Rhinos as Bailey is cleared for the Wembley final

Leeds Rhinos’ prop Ryan Bailey has been cleared to play in 
Saturday’s Carnegie Challenge Cup final against Warrington.

Bailey’s Wembley place was endangered when he was put on report for an alleged high tackle during the Rhinos’ 38-34 Super League defeat by the Catalan Dragons in Perpignan on Saturday.

But he was told by the Rugby Football League’s match-review panel that he has no case to answer, which will be a big relief to Leeds, who are without half-back Danny McGuire with a knee injury and have a doubt over hooker or half-back Rob Burrow.

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Peter Phillips, the son of HRH Princess Royal and grandson of The Queen, will present the 
trophy to the winning team at Saturday’s final.

Super League champions Leeds have also agreed to ‘twin’ with neighbouring Championship club Hunslet.

The Rhinos say the working partnership will include player exchange under the dual registration scheme as well as media and marketing.

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington said: “I see this as a real chance for both clubs to work together for the benefit of rugby league across Leeds.

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“I’m sure some fans will view this as Hunslet becoming a feeder club for us but when you look at the reality of the situation it will actually be the Rhinos who are sending players to them.”

Hunslet are under the control of the Hunslet Independent Supporters’ Trust, whose chairman, Neil Hampshire, said: “I’d like to reassure our fans that this in no way affects our independence and it’s more about how we can learn and grow as a club in the 
local community to be able to meet our long-term goals.

“It’s the reality of where we are right now and I’m certain that more Super League and Championship clubs will start to ‘twin’ together in the near future.”

The partnership will begin with immediate effect, although player movement will not start until next season.

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Wigan winger Pat Richards grabbed two tries on his comeback from injury in a routine 38-6 win over a depleted Salford that edged them closer to the Stobart Super League leaders’ shield.

The Warriors, so disappointing in their previous game at Warrington, produced another flat performance but this time it was good enough to see off willing but limited opponents to gain the win that lifts them three points clear of second-placed Wolves with two matches left of the regular season.

Salford rarely troubled the Wigan defence until 20-year-old debutant Adam Walne produced a solo burst a minute from the end.