I SEE Widnes Vikings' bid to tempt England rugby union ace Henry Paul back into rugby league has failed.

I think surprise levels at that outcome must have hit an all-time low, seen as it was about as likely to happen as George Bush taking French lessons in Baghdad.

But it is not the first time an audacious bid has been made by one of the game's less fashionable clubs to capture a superstar.

Only last year Leigh Centurions enquired about the possibility of signing wing legend Martin Offiah, while three years ago Wakefield Wildcats launched a bid for current England RU flier Jason Robinson.

Of course, it is mainly just posturing and all about raising the club's profile but occasionally the odd coup does come off.

Struggling Warrington stunned the league world by tempting the greatest player of his generation, Allan Langer, to come out of his recent retirement and move to Wilderspool a few years back.

It probably cost them more than two bob and a packet of pork scratchings on wages but his massive influence over the team's fortunes proved it might just be worth Widnes finding a bigger carrot to dangle under Henry's nose.

I SEE Widnes Vikings' bid to tempt England rugby union ace Henry Paul back into rugby league has failed.

I think surprise levels at that outcome must have hit an all-time low, seeing as it was about as likely to happen as George Bush taking French lessons in Baghdad.

But it is not the first time an audacious bid has been made by one of the game's less fashionable clubs to capture a superstar.

Only last year Leigh Centurions enquired about the possibility of signing wing legend Martin Offiah, while three years ago Wakefield Wildcats launched a bid for current England RU flier Jason Robinson.

Of course, it is mainly just posturing and all about raising the club's profile but occasionally the odd coup does come off.

Struggling Warrington stunned the league world by tempting the greatest player of his generation, Allan Langer, to come out of his recent retirement and move to Wilderspool a few years back.

It probably cost them more than two bob and a packet of pork scratchings on wages but his massive influence over the team's fortunes proved it might just be worth Widnes finding a bigger carrot to dangle under Henry's nose.

IT is a wonder last week's World Club Challenge champions Sydney Roosters even managed to get on to the pitch on time, let alone win.

Once again the tremendous Reebok Stadium's image among rugby fans was tarnished by shambolic organisation around the car parks, which left angry fans in queues for up to two hours and many still outside the ground come kick-off.

This happens every time a rugby match is held at Wanderers' home and the problem must be addressed quickly or future attendances at Bolton may fall embarrassingly low.

Tomorrow: Will heavy financial restraints hit Wigan Warriors' hopes for the new season?

Don't miss our preview to the 2003 Super League campaign.