Rugby League: Skerrett moves on to Halifax

The twin cornerstones of Wigan's most dominant packs could face each other for their new clubs in Super League next season.

On the day that Salford paraded their new recruits, Andy Platt and John Cartwight, Halifax did their best to upstage them by announcing the signing of Platt's former front-row partner, Kelvin Skerrett.

Skerrett is joining Halifax on a short-term contract running until the end of March. The 30-year-old Test forward, who has had surgery on both his ankles, hopes to prove his fitness and earn a long-term deal. "I won a lot in the game at Wigan and went as far as I could with them," said Skerrett of his departure from Central Park with 12 months of his contract to run. "As they were in financial trouble, they agreed to end my contract so I could move on to other things."

Halifax's assistant coach, Steve Deakin, said: "Any Super League coach would want Kelvin Skerrett in their starting 17, so this is a great day for us. Wigan's loss is our gain."

Platt, signed by Salford from the Auckland Warriors, said he had been approached to return to Wigan but had been impressed by the professionalism of Salford. He and Cartwright, the Australian Test second-row, also rejected the chance to go to Leeds, much to the delight of the Salford coach, Andy Gregory. "They are two of the best forwards in the world and will give us the experience we will need in Super League," he said.

Salford have also signed the Welsh Commonwealth Games sprinter Peter Maitland, from Bridgend.

The Rugby League Council has agreed to set up a working party to look into the government of the game. One of its most troubled clubs, Bramley, is said to be close to finding a new home and ensuring its immediate survival.