VIKINGS' former scrumhalf Barry Eaton could join up with NFP challengers Batley Bulldogs for the 2003 season, it was suggested this week.

The 29-year-old, who was among the five players released by Widnes coach Neil Kelly recently, could be seen as the ideal replacement for the Yorkshire side's out-going halfbacks.

Dean Lawford and Glen Tomlinson were instrumental in the club's success this season but rocked management with the news of their departure before the league play-offs.

Lawford, ironically, is set to join Kelly's Widnes pack for Super League VIII and Eaton, who scored 129 points for the Vikings this season, could help fill the gap he has left.

Securing the player's signature may not be an easy task for Bulldogs coach Paul Storey with rumours of interest from Super League's Wakefield.

l Neil Kelly this week dropped his interest in Salford City Red's Damien Gibson.

The 27-year-old Australian utility back scored two tries in nine games from the relegated Super League side.

But Kelly said this week: "If Damien decides to leave Salford we don't believe we are his preferred option. We will concentrate on other options now."

The popular coach requires 100 per cent from his players and earlier in the season withdrew a contract offer to Warrington's Lee Briers as the Vikings weren't his first choice.

Pictured: Barry Eaton could soon join up with the Batley Bulldogs