HALIFAX appear to have won their battle with St Helens over rising star Mick Higham.

The Blue Sox signed the former Leigh Centurions hooker in September but when St Helens announced they had also secured Higham's services, Rugby Football League bosses stepped in to arbitrate.

The RFL have ruled after taking legal advice that the 19-year-old is a Halifax player.

"We're delighted to be vindicated over this situation," Blue Sox assistant coach Steve Linnane says.

But Leigh and St Helens are unlikley to let the matter rest there.

Leigh chairman Mike Nolan says he's been 'staggered' by the ruling and, along with Saints, will be taking legal advice with a view to reversing the decision through the courts.

Higham has been training at St Helens for the past month and would have made his debut in the Boxing Day friendly at Wigan.

Leigh's Alliance side kicked off their new season with a 10-10 home draw against Widnes last night, ending the Vikings' run of 12 successive victories.

Leigh led 10-0 until 15 minutes from time when two late tries gave Widnes a share of the points.

New recruit Jason Johnson scored both Leigh tries with Lee Sanderson adding a goal.