Vikings eyeing possible move for Australian star Kimmorley

Apr 25 2008 by Ian Cheveau, Liverpool Daily Post

WIDNES Vikings are reported to be interested in bringing one of the biggest names in world rugby league to Stobart Stadium Halton, providing they are given the green light for Super League in July.

According to rumours down under the Vikings are believed to be monitoring the situation of Australia’sTest scrum-half Brett Kimmorley.

Kimmorley, 31, is being linked to a host of top clubs in the NRL, including a swap deal for St George-Illawarra’s impressive prop forward Jason Ryles, but it’s been suggested that the Crunulla Sharks half-back is keen to try is hand in the English Super League for the remaining two or three years of his career.

Widnes chairman Steve O’Connor last week revealed to the Daily Post that he was in the hunt for an Antipodean star to spearhead Widnes’s assault on Super League next year – if the club gets the nod from the Rugby Football League.

He said: “Terry and Steve are using all the contacts at the moment to get players in for next season. We need to prepare for all events and Terry is working non-stop on that front.

“Terry has some excellent connections in Australia and New Zealand and I confirm that he is in regular contact with players and agents about contracts,” he added.

Kimmorley, who has two years to run on his deal at Crunulla, has been none committal about his long-term future in Australia.

He maintains he is ‘focusing on his game’ and ensuring the Sharks make the play-offs at the end of the year.

But a switch to an English Super League club and the possibility of a bumper pay day would appeal to 16-capped Aussie maestro.

However, Widnes, if they are interested, could face stiff opposition for Kimmorley’s services from licence rivals Salford City Reds, who are also believed to be interested in bringing Kimmorley to their new stadium.

Widnes are one of the front-runners for the coveted places in Super League in 2009 and have already attracted Crunnulla and Australia legend David Peachey to the club in 2005.