Last updated 11:39, Tuesday, 22 April 2008

STAR Whitehaven rugby league forward Richard Fletcher has been transferred to Widnes.

Richard Fletcher looks to Widnes for his future.

Fletcher was Haven's best forward last season after signing from Castleford but for one reason or another he has failed to reproduce the same form at the start of 2008.
Haven director Barry Richardson said: "The primary reason for letting Richard go is that we have to reduce our budget as part of an on-going commitment to ensure our financial stability within these constraints. Richard was one of the highest earning players in the club and the move makes sound business sence. There are no plans to release any one else and if coach Ged Stokes wants to bring someone in to strenthen the side we will make every effort to make money available."
In fact, Haven are hoping to sign 24-year-old second rower Andy Gorski from Halifax as a direct replacement for Fletcher. Gorski will give the club an answer in the next 24 hours.
Halifax actually made an initial bed for Fletcher but Widnes came in with a bigger offer which he was keen to accept.