Only the best is good enough

May 1 2008 by Ian Cheveau, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

VIKINGS sporting director Terry O’Connor has stressed nothing but the best will do when it comes to overseas recruitment.

Widnes are lining up an audacious bid to lure Australian test scrum-half Brett Kimmorley to Stobart Stadium Halton at the back end of the year.

The 31-year-old is looking to leave Cronulla Sharks once their season is over and Widnes want to bring him over if they gain a Super League licence in July.

O’Connor said: “The only Australians we are interested in bringing in are internationals.

“I played against Brett a few times and I've done my research on him.

“He's tough, durable and a thorough professional on and off the field.”

Widnes see Kimmorley as an ideal leader to take them back into the top-flight.

Kimmorley is being linked to a host of top clubs in the NRL, and a swap deal involving St George-Illawarra’s impressive prop forward Jason Ryles.

But it is being suggested the 16-times capped Aussie maestro wants to try Super League for the last two or three years of his career.

However, Widnes could also face opposition for Kimmorley’s services from licence rivals Salford City Reds, who are looking to attract fans to their new stadium.

The Vikings must hope the reported criticism of their previous regime by Kimmorley’s ex-Cronulla team-mate David Peachey doesn’t put their main transfer target off.

Peachey was apparently unhappy at the way his contract was terminated by Widnes.

Head coach McCormack and Terry O’Connor have identified other southern-hemisphere players should the move for Kimmorley not work out.

The duo will also use their respective World Cup commitments with Scotland and Ireland to snare some of the biggest names if Widnes get the nod from the RFL.

Meanwhile, McCormack is likely to bring back Ian Hardman for their rare Tuesday outing at Dewsbury Rams next week (ko 7.30pm).

The centre/full-back missed the home defeat by Celtic Crusaders with an ankle problem.