Cullen granted leave by Widnes

Widnes head coach Paul Cullen has been granted compassionate leave by the club as he looks after his wife Chris, who is currently receiving treatment for cancer.

Cullen, 46, took over at the Stobart Stadium part-way through last season and led the Vikings to the Northern Rail Cup title, his first silverware as a club coach.

Cullen said, “I really appreciate the Club’s kindness in allowing me leave to care and cope at home during my wife’s second fight against cancer. Unfortunately we have gone through this before in 2007 which was difficult enough, only to face the fight again.” 

Assistant Stuart Wilkinson and Mick Cassidy have been preparing the squad through the pre-season and will now focus on Sunday’s trip to Blackpool whilst the thoughts of all associated with the Vikings are with Paul, his wife and sons.