Value of Sykes obvious as he seals new deal

Stand-off Sykes has proved an integral part of Richard Agar’s side after joining from Bradford Bulls last season.

He has now agreed a further one-year extension which will keep him at the West Yorkshire club until the end of 2014.

Sykes has not played since fracturing a fibula against Widnes Vikings on July 8, the side losing all three games in his absence to see their play-off hopes all but ended.

He was not expected to feature again this season but the ex-Harlequins player, who earlier missed two months with a broken kneecap, has now had his pot removed and hopes to be fit for their final games at Huddersfield and against Castleford.

“It has been a bit of an up-and-down season personally, but I’m looking forward to next year,” said Sykes, who turns 32 on Sunday.

“I’ll be starting afresh and trying to stay the full season injury free.

“After the first one I had I got back playing and was just starting to get my fitness back, then I go break my leg.

“It has been a bit frustrating but I can start doing my rehab now and the doctor says I can start running in seven to 10 days.

“I’m going to try and get back for the last couple of games. If it happens, it happens, if not I will have to focus on next year.”

Hull KR second-row Corey Paterson has signed for Wests Tigers next season after securing an early release from his Craven Park contract on compassionate grounds.

Rovers prop Rich Beaumont has rejected a new contract offer and the Academy product, 25, instead joins St Helens on a two-year deal starting next season.

Team-mate Lincoln Withers misses Sunday’s derby with Hull FC following a one-match ban.

The hooker submitted an early guilty plea for making dangerous contact on Wigan player Ryan Hampshire’s legs.

Catalan Dragons’ Zeb Taia has been suspended for three games for “reckless striking with the shoulder” which knocked out St Helens’ Gareth O’Brien.