Last chance for Mann

Press, 18 March 1989, Page 28

Last chance for Mann

PA Bolton, England The Auckland rubgy league prop, George Mann, has just one game left to prove he is worth a first division contract in England next season. Mann plays his final game for Leigh at Whitehaven this week-end with the club still not sure whether to offer him terms to return.

Leigh, already certain to go back into the top flight, has already signed the fellow Aucklander, Peter Ropati, for another two years. Leigh re-signed Ropati, a member of the famous league clan, against some keen interest from other leading

Lancashire clubs. He has been an outstanding success for Leigh, both at hooker and second row and has high hopes of winning selection for next season's Kiwi tour of Great Britain. Kurt Sorensen, who played his first full game since January in Widnes’ mid-week win over Warrington, is doubtful for the trip to Bradford. He strained his groin in a 32-4 win that featured a five-try display from the Great Britain wing, Martin Offiah.

Salford can hammer the final nail into Hull KR’s coffin by beating them at Craven Park. It put an end to its own

losing run by beating Challenge Cup finalist St Helens mid-week, with the Kiwis, Mark Horo and Peter Brown both scoring tries. Victory over Hull KR would doom one of the strongest clubs of the early 80s — which thrived with the likes of the Kiwis, Gordon Smith and Mark Broadhurst .in their side — to the second division. The other crucial relegation battle is between Oldham and Wakefield. Halifax also desperately need a win at Warringtnn, who may have next week’s cup semi-final against Wigan on their minds.