WIGAN Warriors are hoping to clinch a new deal with Gary Connolly to prevent his possible switch to rugby union.

The Great Britain centre has another 18 months remaining before he has the option of taking up a contract with the Australian Rugby League.

But in a new twist England RU are reportedly prepared to offer Wigan £250,000 to loan them Connolly until after next year's World Cup.

Wigan bought out Jason Robinson's contract from the ARL and are hoping to complete a similar deal within the next four weeks to keep Connolly at Central Park.

Wigan Vice-Chairman John Martin said the rugby union offer was unacceptable.

"They wanted Gary to play for a top union club and play in the World Cup before allowing him to return to Wigan. It is a lucrative offer but we have too much reponsibility to the fans and the club to agree. Hopefully the days when the club is exploited for money are over."

Connolly badly damaged a knee in an impressive spell with Harlequins two winters ago.

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