Widnes will entertain Sydney Roosters after all prior to next month's World Club Challenge clash against St Helens.

But the meeting at Halton Stadium on 10 February will not be a proper match after the Vikings were refused permission to play a full friendly with the NRL champions.

Instead, the Super League club have come up with the idea of a "scrimmage" game, which will be played by full teams in kit but will not allow full tackling.

The session will only be open to Vikings season ticket-holders and those who purchase tickets for the ensuing gala dinner.

"It is a great honour for the club to entertain the Australian champions," said Widnes media manager Andrew Kirchin.

Meanwhile, the Vkings have released second-row forward Gareth Haggerty, son of former St Helens and Great Britain international Roy.

"He is a player with plenty of talent, but the arrival of Andrew Isherwood, Andy Hay and Shane Millard means his opportunities for first-team football would be severely limited," said Widnes coach Neil Kelly.