Veteran prop Raleigh to hang up his boots

The 33-year-old former Sheffield Eagles, Hull KR and Huddersfield prop will hang up his boots at the end of the season.

“It has been a dream come true to be able to play the sport that I love for a living,” said Raleigh, who is enjoying a testimonial with the Wildcats.

“I’ve had some fantastic experiences from playing in Challenge Cup finals to making the play-offs and met some great people along the way.

“I just felt that the time was right to hang up my boots after 12 great years – as I’m not getting any younger.”

Hull’s former Wigan forward Chris Tuson has also been forced to retire at the age of 26 after failing to recover from a back injury.

The second rower, who was in Wigan’s Challenge Cup-winning team at Wembley last August, joined the Black and Whites at the end of the 2013 season but suffered a freak spinal injury during a routine pre-season training session.

Widnes vice-captain Kevin Brown has been cleared to play in the Vikings’ Challenge Cup semi-final against Castleford.

The former Wigan, Huddersfield and England stand-off was taken off with a whiplash injury during his side’s 44-22 Super League defeat at St Helens on Friday, casting doubt over his availability for the tie with the Tigers on Sunday week.

However, Brown has been cleared of any major damage and could feature against Hull KR on Sunday.

Castleford Tigers player Weller Hauraki has been suspended for two matches after pleading guilty to the Grade C offence of recklessly striking with his knees in the 38th minute of their First Utility Super League fixture against Hull FC. Hauraki was also fined £300.