Dean injury blow for Widnes

James Gordon

Widnes centre Chris Dean has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury.

Dean, 24, was forced off in the 66-6 defeat against Huddersfield at the weekend, and was replaced by Kurt Haggerty.

He signed a permanent deal with the Vikings ahead of their elevation to Super League in 2012 having spent last season with Wakefield, scoring nine tries in 21 appearances.

The Wigan-born back spent a spell on loan at the Stobart Stadium in 2008 having started his career at St Helens, for who he scored 10 tries in 23 appearances during four years at the club which ended in 2010.

Dean’s woe adds to a difficult start to life back in the top flight for the Vikings. They were without Shaun Briscoe, Jon Clarke and Anthony Watts on Sunday, and are still waiting for new signings Sione Kite and Cameron Phelps to arrive from Down Under.