Rugby League: Hampson Signs Up for Britain Role

The former Wigan and Great Britain full-back Steve Hampson has been appointed fitness conditioner by the new Britain coach, Tony Smith.

Hampson is returning to the game after a seven-year absence during which time he has worked with cricket's Andrew Flintoff, the golfers Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood and Sale's rugby union team.

"I've known Steve since we played together for the Illawarra Steelers and I'm delighted that he's come on board," said Smith. "He's got a great background on the health and fitness side of things after working as a personal trainer to some famous names, and also a terrific personality to have involved with the squad - as well as a name that will carry a lot of weight with what he achieved in the game."

Hampson won 12 Great Britain caps in addition to numerous trophies with Wigan and will help prepare the team for the one-off Test against France at Headingley on June 22 followed by the three-Test home series against New Zealand this autumn.

Huddersfield have agreed a new three-year contract with their much-coveted forward Eorl Crabtree. The 24-year-old has been linked recently with Wigan and Warrington but will stay with his home-town club until at least 2010.

Salford, who play Huddersfield tomorrow, are unlikely to confirm their new coach until next week but the appointment of Shaun McRae, a close friend of their football director and caretaker coach Steve Simms, is thought to be a formality.

Queensland came from 18-6 behind to beat New South Wales 25-18 in the opening game of the State of Origin series in Brisbane yesterday, with their captain Darren Lockyer scoring the decisive try.