Cullen: Widnes in unique position

Widnes Director of Rugby Paul Cullen says the club are in a unique situation after they confirmed that Denis Betts would lead the club in Super League next season.

The Vikings were given the nod to join the top flight next year on March 31st, after they had played just three league games this season.

He said: “The club is in a completely unique position this season. We’re faced with the prospect of dismantling a team and then re-building the squad for next season.”

Widnes have already culled four of their 2011 Championship squad – Anthony Thackeray, James Ford, Chris Gerrard and Kirk Netherton – and will now begin their recruitment process for next season.

Cullen added: “Already we have had a great deal of interest from both overseas and UK players but it would have not been either appropriate or fair to enter into any negotiations prior to Denis’s appointment.

“Now we will both be working hard to identify current squad members and new signings and we are determined to attract the best there is to come to Widnes and be part of our future.

“Youth development continues to be an intrinsic part of our longer-term strategy and Denis fully supports what we are doing as a club.”