Webster in race to secure passport for derby debut

*RUGBY LEAGUE

Hull's new scrum-half, James Webster, has until tea-time on Friday to get his hands on the British passport that will allow him to play against his former club in the Humberside derby two days later.

The former Hull KR captain, now recovered from a shoulder injury that ended his time there, was registered as a Hull player before last Friday's Super League deadline. But he cannot play for his new team until he receives his passport, because Hull's overseas quota is full.

"James has been told that his paperwork is all in order, so we are still pretty confident that he will be able to make his debut against Rovers," said Hull's spokesman, Richard Tingle.

Adam Dykes is likely to still be out injured this weekend, which increases the urgency in getting Webster's situation sorted out. There is better news of another half-back, with Tommy Lee set to return after a six game absence caused by a knee injury.

The Wigan chairman, Ian Lenagan, has predicted that the club's new Australian signing, Tim Smith, will make his debut against St Helens on Friday night. The half-back has not played for almost four months, but Lenagan says he will be "surprised" if Brian Noble does not select him.

Bradford's Test forward, Sam Burgess, still does not know whether he needs a shoulder operation that could rule him out of this autumn's World Cup. Burgess has had one scan, but it was inconclusive and he could now need another.

One of the Bulls' up-and-coming players, Jason Crookes, has agreed a new contract to keep him at the club until 2011.

The 18-year-old centre has yet to make his Super League debut, but has impressed on loan to Widnes and is going on the England Academy tour to Australia. "We are delighted he has agreed this new contract with us," said the Bulls coach, Steve McNamara.

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