WIDNES Vikings this week brought to an end weeks of speculation by calling off their ambitious chase for cross-code star Henry Paul.

The club, who had been accused of making the bid as a publicity stunt, announced yesterday (Tuesday) it would not be following up its interest due to his "intension to remain in rugby union."

Paul, currently with Zurich Premiership side, Gloucester, had been targeted by Vikings coach Neil Kelly as the perfect solution to his stand-off headache.

But a spokesman for the club said this week: "The two parties held face-to-face talks and the club made it clear that the finances were in place for such a deal to become a reality.

"However, after a period of deliberation, Henry's representative has informed the club of his intention to remain in rugby union.

"The club would like to thank those fans and sponsors who rallied around and showed they supported its attempts to bring a player of Henry's quality to the Halton Stadium.

And they added: "The move for Henry was a serious one and a sign of bother where the club is at the moment and where it intends to be in the very near future."

Speaking to press this week, Kelly added: "It is not the positive conclusion we started out seeking but we were getting to a point when you almost have got to put an end to it, otherwise it can become farcical.

"We always had other options. There are other people out there and we can now step up the moves we need to make to fetch these players to the club."

Dean Lawford will again start as stand-off in Widnes' Super League opener against Leeds Rhinos on Sunday and, after impressing in the Challenge Cup.

Kelly revealed the 25-year-old will lead the charge at Headingly as the Vikings attempt to recreate one of their biggest wins last season.

He went on: "Despite all the little setbacks we have had, the players have been fantastic. There is a lot of determination and confidence in the camp.

"Everyone is touting them Leeds as a young side but when you look at the team they have a tremendous amount of experience. They have a good balance."

Forward Andy Hay is the only doubt for Sunday but he is unlikely to want to miss a mouth-watering return to his former club, alongside fellow Rhinos rejects, Ryan Sheridan and Dean Lawford.

Talks over injured stand-off Steve Carter's possible retirement from the game continued this week, with the 32-year-old unlikely to return after an ankle reconstruction operation.

And the club was also this week still working on securing Aussie trialist Simon Finnegan for the season.