Vikings rules out Chambers move

Widnes Vikings have ruled out making an approach to Dwain Chambers, who will find out this week if he has a future in rugby league.

Super League strugglers Castleford closed the door on the 30-year-old sprinter last week following the completion of a month-long trial which included a run-out in a specially-arranged reserve friendly.

Chambers’ agent Ron Hill says other clubs have expressed an interest in giving a chance to Chambers, who wants to carve out a rugby career while contemplating his future in athletics.

“I’m still talking to a few people – in union and league – and, if it happens, it will happen this week,” said Hill.

Castleford say they released the world indoor 60-metre silver medalist because they could not afford the time needed to groom him for a new career but coach Terry Matterson believes he could be an attractive signing for a National League club.

“That’s the level he needs to be at now and then in the future you never know,” he said.

“You would have to question whether it’s financially viable for him but he’d certainly be worth a crack for somebody.”

Widnes, who hope to clinch a return to Super League for 2009, were linked with Chambers but sporting director Terry O’Connor flatly denied the rumour.

“We are currently looking to strengthen our squad for 2008 and are negotiating for 2009 but I can confirm that Dwain does not feature in any of our plans,” he said.

“We are looking to build a squad of young, exciting players a fact which was demonstrated by the performance of our team against Hull yesterday.

“As a club, we wish Dwain well for the future but that future will not be at the Stobart Stadium.”