St Helens have made a dramatic swoop for New Zealand international Vinnie Anderson from under the noses of London Broncos after the Bulls pulled out of the race for his signature last Thursday.

Saints have also snapped up England under-19 rugby union centre Chris Rhys Jones from Sale Sharks while Kiwi second- rower Michael Smith, released before the start of the season without playing a game for them, has joined Hull KR.

The flurry of transfer activity marked the closure of the register for the Powergen Challenge Cup, which gets underway for National League clubs this weekend. The 26-year-old Anderson, who usually plays centre but filled in at stand-off for the Kiwis in the Gillette Tri-Nations Series, is set to make his Super League debut in Friday's Super League match against Salford at Knowsley Road.

London proudly announced his signing on a three-year contract from New Zealand Warriors three weeks ago.

However, the move was blocked by the Rugby Football League amid worries over the state of the Broncos' finances and, although the club were given the go-ahead to continue in Super League on Friday, the delay proved costly.

"He wanted to get his life sorted out," admitted London chief executive Nic Cartwright. "We are disappointed but it was his decision and we wish him all the best."

The Bulls are thought to have decided as they didn't want to get involved in a protracted auction for his services.

Anderson will fill the vacancy at St Helens created by the sudden departure of second-rower Smith, who failed to settle following his close-season move from relegated Castleford.

l Injury-hit Wigan were dealt another body blow yesterday when star forward Gareth Hock was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

The 21-year-old second-rower damaged medial ligaments in the Warriors' 28-27 defeat by the Bulls ten days ago.