Keighley Cougars were today continuing their search for new talent but have denied they are ready to release star back Matt Foster to finance any deals.

Foster, 21, has been attracting the attention of Super League clubs after an impressive switch to full-back last season when he was the club's top try scorer with 19.

But Cougars football director Allan Clarkson said: "We have not had any approaches for Matt and we do not want to lose him anyway."

One rumour was that Foster was on his way to Odsal in exchange for experienced Bulls second-rower Paul Medley and cash.

But Clarkson added: "It would be a nice thought to think we were able to bring Paul Medley in because I think he would be a great asset at this level.

"We did make an enquiry several months ago but Bradford said he was still part of their plans and I don't think anything has changed."

Medley's signed a one year contract with the Bulls only recently and is due a testimonial in 1999.

One Odsal player is being lined-up for a move down the Aire Valley though.

Goalkicking half-back Joe Simpson, a regular with the Bulls Alliance side last season, has already had talks with Cougars officials.

Simpson has previously been out on loan to Dewsbury Rams this season and played against the Bulls in a pre-season warm-up at Odsal.

Meanwhile Great Britain forward Denis Betts, who stepped off the bench to help secure Wigan's 22-10 Silk Cut Challenge Cup quarter-final win over St Helens, will start Sunday's semi-final against London Broncos at Huddersfield.

The 28-year-old Betts, who has never lost a Challenge Cup-tie, reclaims his old second-row spot, with Mick Cassidy taking over on the bench as coach John Monie sticks with the 17 players on duty against Saints.

"I said to Mick Cassidy I was very happy with his form, but Denis Betts is a bit special," explained Monie.

"Defensively he's strong and he's a player who can produce a couple of a big breaks to turn a match.

"He's played in some big games and he certainly adds a bit to the team."

Betts, who returned to Wigan this season after a three-year spell with Auckland Warriors, made his comeback in the last round following a shoulder reconstruction.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.