Widnes seek union players for possible relationship

Widnes have widened their search for players to patch up their threadbare squad by advertising in a newspaper in South Wales. The advert in the Western Mail invites Welsh players who think they might be capable of playing in Super League to apply to an address in the Midlands.

Widnes, who are down to their last 17 fit players, already have a Welsh trialist playing in their under-21 side and believe the upheavals in Welsh rugby union could persuade more to try their luck. But a newspaper advert is not quite the desperate measure it might seem, as St Helens came up with one of Great Britain's best prop forwards, Cliff Watson, through a similar ploy in the 1960s.

Wakefield and Bradford have players facing a disciplinary hearing today after a brawl during their match on Sunday. Trinity's Michael Kordidas has been charged with a high tackle, and the Bulls' James Lowes and Jamie Fielden with striking in the subsequent fight.

Nick Fozzard of Warrington is to be charged with a high tackle as well as with a head butt for which he was sent off against Leeds, while Shayne McMenemy of Halifax will face a high-tackle charge.

A deputation including the League's director of finance, Nigel Wood, is to visit Gateshead this week to try to help them through their financial and personnel difficulties.