Langer quits
BRISBANE - Former Brisbane and Queensland halfback Allan Langer has stepped down from an assistant coaching role with the Broncos. Langer will take on an ambassadorial role with the NRL club after being an assistant at Red Hill since 2008. The diminutive Langer, who led the Broncos to their first premiership in 1992, said he had no desire to further his coaching career and was looking forward to taking on a more relaxed role.
Leeds in final
WIGAN, United Kingdom - Kevin Sinfield sent champions Leeds through to their fifth Super League grand final in six years as they beat Wigan 13-12 at the DW Stadium on Friday. For a trio of Wigan stars heading to the NRL — Jeff Lima, Brett Finch and Thomas Leuluai — their last game in a Cherry and Whites shirt saw Rhinos standoff Sinfield kick nine points including a late penalty to secure a dramatic win.
NRL fever
SYDNEY - England coach Steve McNamara says the profile of the NRL in the UK has never been higher due to James Graham and Gareth Widdop’s grand final involvement. Tonight’s game will be the first time in 40 years a decider has featured an Englishman on either side. Melbourne’s Widdop and Canterbury’s Graham are aiming to become the first Pom since Adrian Morley in 2002 to win a major premiership title.