TERRY O'Connor's future at Central Park is on the line after several disappointing displays in the Alliance team.

The hard-working prop-forward has found himself relegated in the pecking order since John Monie took charge, but the coach is disappointed at the way he has responded to being left out of the side.

"I told him after Wembley he would be out for a month while the other props showed me what they can do," said Monie.

"I was prepared to bring him back in but he hasn't produced the form on the field where it matters.

"We have young guys in the 'A' team playing better than him and now is the time when it is ready for me to use him again but they are outplaying him.

"He hasn't done anything in the 'A' team to say to me that he should be picked. It just hasn't happened. Paul Johnson and Darryl Cardiss have been in the 'A' team and they have done very well.

"It is not that you don't like players or have anything against them. You are trying to give everybody a shot and give the younger players some time.

Chairman Mike Nolan admitted he was hopeful O'Connor would stay with the Central Park club.

Nolan said: "I'd like to think Terry will knuckle down and he'll be staying. We looked at alternatives and we can't allow Terry to leave without somebody coming in." Alliance prop Steve Barrow looks set to join Hull Sharks this week on a month's loan. The highly rated youngster was due to replace the recalled Dave Whittle on loan at Leigh but Monie prefers him to play in the top flight.

"We wanted him to go to Leigh but Hull came in and said they would take him for a month so it is better for him if he can go to a Super League side."

Barrow could be joined by scrum-half Craig Murdock who will also be moving to the Boulevard for a month if he can shake off a back problem.

Wigan will begin a fresh search for top quality players after losing out on Aussie Test ace Wendell sailor.

The Brisbane Broncos' flyer had agreed a two-year deal with the Warriors but changed his mind over the weekend and decided to stay Down Under.

Nolan was disappointed at the news, particularly at hearing it second hand from the media.

"Nothing is ever guaranteed. He had signed a contract but there is no point pursuing that with somebody who does not want to play for us. We have just got to get on with it.

"We have always had other options and we are now looking at those."

Scrum half Tony Smith will be out for three weeks with a knee ligament injury.

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