WIDNES will be missing half back Joe Mellor for the start of the season after he sustained a partial tear of his posterior cruciate ligament in the festive friendly against Warrington.

But he is counting his blessings that it is not a season-ending injury and hopes to be back on the field in the early part of the season.

And with the surprise departure of Kevin Brown, Mellor finds himself with extra responsibility as he seeks to build on an outstanding 2016.

Not only will those extra responsibilities be heaped on him in the halves but he was last week named as co-captain alongside experienced Australian Chris Houston.

The pair will be supported by Aaron Heremaia and Tom Gilmore, as vice-captains – with all four selected players unanimously supported by Vikings’ coaches.

Mellor said: “It is an honour to be named as one of the four leaders for the upcoming season.

“I am very proud to have been selected for this role by the coaches and my teammates.

“We know what it will mean to the town if we can bring greater success to the club, and that is something which really motivates us all.”

He will have to endure a few more frustrating weeks before he can show that leadership back on the field – although he can’t put a date on his return he will certainly miss the opener against Huddersfield.

Mellor said: “My knee is getting there. I have a brace on it, which will stay on for another two weeks and then I will hopefully start my rehab and see where we are.

“I have torn my PCL. Thankfully it is not a complete tear as that would have needed an operation and meant at least nine months out, so it could have been a lot worse.

“We are looking at weeks really.”

Mellor’s injury was a blow to the Vikings, with the 26-year-old looking to build on a fine 2016 in the halves, particularly since the departure of Brown.

“With Kev going I expect it will be a lot more even on the field,” he said.

“I will get a lot more ball and time on the ball to do what I can do.

“Tom and I will work well – I don’t think much will change with the way the team plays as I think we have got a good way of playing.

“I think it will all come together.”

Mellor had a fine season last year, with his spark in the middle, probing runs and clever kicking game helping Widnes climb into the top eight.

It is something he is keen to build on as soon as he gets the medical all clear.

He said: “Denis gives me a bit of freedom to do what I like to do.

“He gives me the freedom to run where I want to.

“I was really pleased with last year. It was my best season and I have always wanted to progress each year.

“Last year I did that and I want to do it again this season.

“If I can do that I will be happy."