EDWARDS AVOIDS BAN FOR HURLING BALL INTO CROWD

CATALANS DRAGONS forward Kenny Edwards is free to play in Saturday’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup final after avoiding a ban for throwing the ball into the crowd. The 28-year-old New Zealander was investigated by the Rugby Football League after a child was struck by the ball during the French club’s 35-16 semi-final win over St Helens in Bolton earlier this month. The RFL fined and warned Edwards about his future conduct after finding him in breach of their operational rules, but he avoided a ban. Meanwhile, Catalans centre Brayden Wiliame has signed a new two-year contract with the club.