WIGAN WARRIORS' young stars will soon start their daily training with the British Army's Parachute Regiment.

It's part of a new joint initiative devised by the Wigan club - five junior players, including Liam Colbon, who has played for the first team, have agreed to be part of it.

The new scheme will allow the players to remain on Wigan's books, but in the week they will train with the Paras and be in camp at a variety of bases throughout the UK.

A senior Wigan spokesman confirmed the club is planning to announce full details of the scheme early next month.

While with the Paras, the Wigan players will help promote both the Wigan club and help with the development of rugby league.

The players who undertake the training will not enlist, but while in camp and in uniform, they will come under Army rules and regulations.

Wigan's partnership with the Paras has been forged by the club's youth supremo Brian Foley.

He, and senior Wigan officials, have held a number of talks with army officials to set up the scheme.

Respected

Foley is a highly-respected figure, having nurtured junior talent through the Wigan ranks and provided the club with a host of international stars.

The Wigan scheme is understood to have the full backing of head coach Brian Noble. Wigan are currently in pre- season training.

SALFORD City Reds will kick off the new Super League season at home to Leeds Rhinos.

It will be a big test and football director Steve Simms admits the club faces two important campaigns ahead of the planned move to Barton in 2008.

Simms told MEN Sport: "We are looking forward to another terrific season. We did very well last year and it's our intention to build on it.

"There will be no easy game, a lot of hype has surrounded our move to Barton, and it's great to know that it's going to happen.

"In the meantime, we have to continue progressing, this is the aim."

Reds' first away game is likely to be against Harlequins. Wigan Warriors start at home at the JJB against neighbours Warrington Wolves, a game which should attract a bumper crowd.
Warrington will again have to make two trips to France this season to face Les Catalans. Most clubs will again play home games on Friday evenings.

HAVING led Queensland to the State of Origin title and Brisbane Broncos to the NRL crown, skipper Darren Lockyer scored the `golden try' in the seventh minute of extra time, for Australia to beat New Zeland 16-12 in the Tri-Natiions final in Sydney.