Rugby League: Bulls Lead Charge to Bring Australia's King to England

Bradford Bulls are expected to lead the race to sign Matt King, the powerful Melbourne Storm and Australia wing who was said by his agent yesterday to be open to Super League offers, as an ideal replacement for Lesley Vainikolo next season. Gloucester are understood to be ready to buy out the remaining two years of Vainikolo's contract, which would provide the Bulls with a cash boost and remove the 27-year-old, one of their highest earners, from their salary cap. Meanwhile clubs outside the Super League received a welcome financial injection when United Co-operatives announced a two-year sponsorship of the National Leagues, which will be televised by Sky this season.