Vikings face Challenge Cup reprieve

10:31am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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WIDNES Vikings could get a shock Challenge Cup reprieve after it emerged Hull FC fielded an ineligible player last weekend.

Vikings were knocked out of the competition by the Super League outfit after Sunday's 32-18 fifth-round defeat at Stobart Stadium Halton.

However, the east Yorkshire club face being kicked out by the Rugby Football League (RFL) after prop forward Jamie Thackray played in the game despite being re-signed by Hull more than three weeks after the initial cup deadline.

Vikings chief executive Alex Bonney said: "The club has pointed out to the RFL that there are two players in Widnes Vikings first-team squad who were not eligible to participate under the rules of the competition.

"Steve McCormack replaced Sam Barlow and Richard Fletcher with younger players who were eligible to play.

"Also, prior to the match, Widnes Vikings officials sought official guidance from the RFL on the eligibility of another player, Jason Crookes, who was included in our squad following clearance from the RFL."

But Vikings added while they would not contest the result, they would be delighted to replace Hull in the quarter-final showdown with the mighty Bradford Bulls.

"Vikings were beaten by a better team on the day and the club is happy to leave this matter to the discretion of the RFL," Mr Bonney said. "We have every confidence that the issue will receive a fair adjudication.

"Widnes Vikings will, of course, stand by whatever decision is reached by the RFL."

The RFL were unavailable for comment.