Wales deny Harris stunt

Wales have denied suggestions that the anticipated comeback of Iestyn Harris was a publicity stunt to build interest in their World Cup qualifier with Scotland.

The 30-year-old dual-code international failed to show for Sunday's match in Bridgend, much to the anger and disappointment of the 2,378 crowd, more than double the attendance for last year's corresponding fixture.

A troublesome knee injury forced the Bradford Bulls ace to miss the game and Wales Rugby League chairman Mark Rowley said: "He was definitely going to play. He has been on the phone all the time and he was going to come down on the Saturday to train with us. But travelling (back from a family holiday) aggravated the injury."

Rowley added: "The flight caused the knee to swell up and the specialist advised him not to play."

Wales lost the match 21-14 and must overturn the deficit in the return leg in Scotland next autumn to clinch a place in the 10-team tournament in Australia.