Widnes confirm Cullen absence

Widnes head coach Paul Cullen will miss the Vikings’ run-in due to compassionate leave, the club has confirmed.

The former Warrington player and coach, 47, has been on leave for much of the season to take care of his ill wife, Chris.

He has returned on a number of occasions throughout the season, helping Widnes reach a second successive Northern Rail Cup final, but the club has now confirmed Cullen’s absence for the remainder of the campaign.

A statement said: “Paul has the heartfelt best wishes of everyone at the Vikings, and we want him to have the time to look after his family during this difficult period.”

Cullen was pitchside for the recent home defeat to Leigh, but was missing as Widnes went down 30-16 at Halifax on Thursday night.