WIGAN and Britain winger Martin Offiah could be playing rugby union next winter with Newcastle one of the clubs interested in taking last season's top try scorer on a short term contract.

Offiah's agent, Alan McColm, confirmed yesterday that five union clubs, including Sir John Hall's Newcastle, had made inquiries about Offiah joining them alter the initial Super League summer season.

"There is no way that Martin could earn the money that he is with Wigan in rugby union at the moment and he is not considering a career change," said McColm.

"But there is the possibility that he could play as a guest player in union if we can reach agreement with Wigan for his release.

"And Martin is interested in testing his talents out at the highest levels of the union game."

Wigan chairman, Jack Robinson, was not available for comment yesterday but McColm added "We spoke to Wigan about the possibility a few weeks ago.

"Mr Robinson said then that he was not in favour of Martin playing rugby union but would not prevent us putting any deals that were offered to us before Wigan's board of directors."