Rooney too much for Widnes

Widnes have turned down the chance to sign the Featherstone scrum-half Jamie Rooney after a transfer tribunal ruled that they could be made to pay up to £50,000 for him.

The newly promoted Super League club had bid a modest £5,000 for Rooney but were told yesterday that they would have to pay £10,000 up front with increments based on first-team games and international appearances, plus a share of any subsequent transfer fee.

The Oldham coach, Mike Ford, who ended his playing days after the club's defeat by Widnes in the NFP grand final in July, may be forced to make a comeback in the first game of the new season against Swinton on Sunday. Both of Oldham's regular scrum-halves, Neil Roden and Keith Brennan are injured although Ford might switch John Braddish, on loan from St Helens, to the No 7 shirt.

The Rochdale coach, Martin Hall, has given up hope of having Kelvin Skerrett in his side this season. Skerrett had a recurrence of a knee injury while training with the Hornets.