Senior let off lightly as he escapes ban over attack on referee

Rugby Football League disciplinary chiefs meted out a lenient 1,000 fine after Senior accused Silverwood of being "arrogant" in the aftermath of the 2010 Gillette World Club Challenge defeat to Melbourne Storm.

The RFL tribunal handed down the fine – 500 of which has been suspended for the remainder of the season – at a hearing at Red Hall where Senior pleaded guilty to being in breach of the RFL's Respect policy and Operational Rule D1.10(i) (Criticism of Match Official).

It states that "no person shall publish or cause to be published (or give any interview to the media by whatsoever medium) which contains criticism of the character of a Match Official or criticism of the manner in which a Match Official has officiated at a game in which the club or player has taken part, or of any other game under the control of the RFL."

Senior – who has 28 days to pay – admitted that his behaviour was completely unacceptable and said he should not have vented his frustration in the way he did.

An RFL statement read: "The panel took into consideration Senior's previous good record during a lengthy career, his admission of guilt and public apology but felt a fine was appropriate given that this was a personal attack on the referee's character rather than a criticism of a decision by the referee."

Silverwood, one of six full-time Super League referees, will be in charge of the Rhinos' next match at Huddersfield Giants on Sunday.

Luke Robinson has signed an extended deal to remain with the Giants until the end of the 2012 Engage Super League season.

Robinson, 25, has been a permanent fixture in the team since signing from Salford Reds in 2007.

Robinson said: "It has been a great experience to share the progress being made by the Giants on and off the field, highlighted by last season's appearance at Wembley and third place in the Super League.

"The club is very ambitious and hopefully we will be challenging for honours in the next few years and I want to be a part of it.

"I had no hesitation committing myself to Nathan Brown and my team-mates for another two years."

Giants coach Nathan Brown said: "Luke is, pound for pound, as tough a competitor as I have seen."

Heavy snowfall in the south of France has put Castleford Tigers' Super League match against Catalans Dragons on Saturday in doubt.

The Perpignan club have advised the Castleford team and supporters not to travel until they have completed attempts to clear the Gilbert Brutus Stadium pitch of around 40cm of snow.

"It's crazy," said Catalans general manager Christophe Levy. "It snowed for the whole day and everything is closed."

The Tigers have made a second loan signing in a fortnight in 21-year-old Warrington forward Mike Cooper.

Cooper played in the Wolves' last 12 matches of the 2009 season, including the Challenge Cup final at Wembley, but has yet to force his way into Tony Smith's line-up this year.

Two Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth-round ties will be televised live by the BBC next month.

Hull FC v Leeds Rhinos will be screened on Saturday, April 17 (2.30) and 24 hours later the BBC cameras will switch to Huddersfield as the Giants host Hull Kingston Rovers (1.45).