Smith to make Super League debut

Former Parramatta halfback Tim Smith will make his Wigan debut in Friday's re-arranged Super League game against Huddersfield at the JJB Stadium.

The 23-year-old former Eels bad-boy was set to make his debut against St Helens last Friday but picked up a hamstring injury in training.

He has now recovered and, after being included in coach Brian Noble's 19-man squad, is poised to be handed the halfback role against the Giants, with Kiwi Thomas Leuluai switching to hooker in place of the suspended Michael McIlorum.

Second rower Phil Bailey could also return after a hamstring injury while former Wests Tigers premiership winner Pat Richards has recovered from the illness that forced him to miss the Saints game and will play at fullback.

Meanwhile, Salford has wasted little time bolstering its squad for a return to Super League with the signing of North Queensland Cowboys forward Ray Cashmere.

The Reds completed a swoop for the 28-year-old prop just 24 hours after being granted a three-year licence to compete in Super League from 2009.

Cashmere, who played for Wests Tigers before joining the Cowboys two years ago, has signed a three-year deal, starting from next season.

Salford director of football Steve Simms said: "Ray is one of the best props in the NRL and his performance over the last two years at the Cowboys has been outstanding.

"He is a great recruit for the Reds and the forward pack and is part of a great future for Salford City Reds."