Top of the League

Mickey Rourke is halfway through his nine-month training spell for the key role in the Life of Gareth Thomas movie.

Retired dual rugby league Welsh ace Thomas received an update from Top of the League

Filming will start in mid-2012 once the Hollywood star, said to be 'training the house down and being a good boy', is fit to star as a rugby player.

The casting couch is now open and actor Jason Statham, boxer Joe Calzaghe and Huddersfield Giants prop Keith Mason have been linked with roles.

A film insider revealed: "Once the cameras roll rugby league will get the national profile it craves."

KARREN BRADY ruffled feathers when she inferred rugby clubs would not be welcome to share the Olympic Stadium with West Ham.

Hammers vice-chairman Brady also claimed in her SunSport column rugby matches will not be allowed in future on Premier League grounds.

Try telling that to Wigan Athletic chairman and DW Stadium owner Dave Whelan, who needs the cash from Wigan Warriors.

RFL communications manager John Ledger said: "Groundsmen at soccer stadiums say rugby matches cause negligible damage."

The rest of the article appeared in The Sun.