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Morley in action on the pitch rather than in the commentary box during last season's Challenge Cup final win. Photograph: Getty

The game itself saw St Helens end Wakefield's 100% Super League record this season in atrocious conditions. When I chatted to Wildcats captain this week, he had already written the game off as a bad one and was pretty scathing about his own personal performance. I thought the Wildcats spirit was excellent on the night but they suffered when went off injured. To come up with so many unforced errors and only lose at Saints by a single score has to be of great reassurance to coach John Kear.

I was especially looking forward to catching up with Morley from a journalistic point of view, given it was the first time I'd seen him since his good mate Morley was characteristically colourful and frank in his assessment of Newton's demise.

"It's a difficult one for me as we have been best friends since he was a 16-year-old lad," he told us. "Terry does not want any sympathy, he is absolutely shattered. He has admitted to cheating and will take his ban. He is so disappointed at how foolish he has been."

Morley told me Newton became a virtual recluse in his home in the days immediately after the news broke. "He is coming round a bit now but was inconsolable for a couple of days," added Morley. "He feels he's let his team-mates, family and rugby league down."

Few fans would argue to the contrary, but, given he is his best mate, what does Morley make of what Newton has done?

"From a personal point of view, I will stand by Terry as a friend but I certainly can't condone what he's done," he said. "He's ashamed of what he has done but at least he's taking it on the chin like a man."

Morley believes "Tez" has probably played his last ever game of professional rugby league and says he is keen to work for the to prevent youngsters following his lead.

"He wants to get out there and be an example to other professionals about what not to do," said Morley. "The RFL should employ him somehow to go to youngsters and warn them what not to do. That would be beneficial for all concerned.

"Terry's made a mistake and he'll have to live with that. If we're being honest, that's probably the end of his career. It is a terrible, terrible way to end what has been a great career. He now wants to help other people if the league will allow him to do so."

That sounds very much to me like an olive branch from Newton to the RFL. The former Great Britain man wants to apologise for cheating the sport by giving back what he can. I would suggest that allowing Newton his wish to keep youngsters on the straight and narrow would be a shrewd move by the game's governing body.

My Friday night detour to St Helens, as well as adding on a hugely unpleasant nine-hour round-trip to an already long working day in London, also lengthened my odds of making it back north for

Leeds reflect on a second successive defeat in the World Club Challenge Photograph: Getty

A birthday bash in London for my sister in between the two fixtures gave me the familiar work versus family headache. This time I opted to leave the Rhinos high and dry - admittedly already fearful of a negative outcome - and enjoy the weekend with my sibling.

for their defeat to Melbourne but the Rhinos were not clinical enough. It was a very bizarre refereeing display from the Super League whistler, branded "arrogant" by Keith Senior. Actually I understand Senior was a little bit more colourful than that, but his comments, warranted or not, were out of order, regardless of how bad Silverwood may have been.

My main gripe in losing to the Aussies again wasn't the ref's blind eye to the Melbourne tactics at the play-the-ball, more the two chances blew in the corner. The youngster will be a star, definitely, but he is learning the hard way that at the very top level every single chance has to be taken. Many have disagreed with me this week when I said Leeds would have won the game with on the wing, but I stand by that statement.

It was a bruising game. Leeds centre returned from injury for the match and says his "body was in the hurt box" afterwards. The Aussie softened the blow of the loss with a bit of retail therapy this week, picking himself up a new car.

Delaney has bonded with since moving to Leeds. Known for his big hits, Biffa is bidding for a hit of a different kind after deciding to get his vocal chords out for the lads.to sing their version of the Heather Small hit with the RJ Community Choir. Burgess sings the song's only solo. was also supposed to, but he did a disappearing act, leaving Burgess to take the limelight.

It is hoped the CD will raise £10,000 for the Sick Children's Trust. Having never heard Burgess sing, I can't comment on how likely that is!

West Yorkshire rivals Bradford are doing their bit for charity, too. The Bulls are supporting the again this year. If you would like to get involved, you can get more information from the club.

Finally, at the Prince of Wales Stadium next month. Fev will play in the 9s and hope to topple the defending champions Royal Navy. Rovers are, although reports that the old Powell shimmy may be brought out of retirement for the event are wide of the mark.