Vikings give Cullen compassionate leave (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Vikings give Cullen compassionate leave

4:32pm Thursday 7th January 2010

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WIDNES Vikings have granted head coach Paul Cullen compassionate leave, as required, as he looks after his wife, Chris, who is currently receiving treatment for cancer.

It is the second time in two years that Cullen’s wife has had to fight the disease.

Paul 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.”

The club issued a statement earlier in the week in which they expressed the thoughts of all those associated with Vikings are with Paul, his wife and sons.

Although the weather looks likely to wipe out the weekend’s fixtures, assistant coach Stuart Wilkinson and fitness conditioner Mick Cassidy, who have been preparing the squad through the pre season, are in charge of the team for Sunday’s trip to Blackpool Widnes have cancelled their World of Beds Cup game with Warrington.

The game was initially due to take place on Boxing Day.

A frozen pitch saw that one postponed - and conditions were no better for the rearranged date last Sunday.

The club have said tickets can be used for the friendly against Salford City Reds on January 24 instead.

However, if fans wish to, they can get a refund on their tickets as long as they do so before January 22.

Meanwhile the continuing bad weather has encouraged Vikings to accept an invitation to send a squad to Carcassonne on January 23.

The team will play the host side in a fixture designed to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the French club.

Initially the plan was to send a side featuring fringe members of the first team squad, along side a number of the club's promising reserve side.

But the cancellation of the Warrington game and the continued freeze which may affect the trip to Blackpool this weekend could see a change in plan.

However, the following day, Sunday, January 24, Widnes entertain Salford at the Stobart Stadium Halton which will be the final opportunity for players to stake a claim for the opening Northern Rail group game against Gateshead Thunder seven days later.

As a number of fans have shown an interest in travelling to France for this fixture an announcement about the Vikings' squad for the game will be made as soon as possible.

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