Spanner in the works for Schifcofske

The Queensland Reds' plan to sign Canberra rugby league fullback Clinton Schifcofske has hit a hurdle with the Australian Rugby Union failing to come to the party.

The ARU has decided it won't offer Schifcofske, who turns 31 this year, a financial top up in any Reds contract. The Reds say they would find it extremely difficult to lure him into switching codes without ARU assistance.

The former Queensland State of Origin player is viewed by Reds coach Eddie Jones as a goalkicking winger.