Tuesday 30 June 2015 11:53, UK
Widnes Vikings have announced that centre Cameron Phelps is to leave the Super League club at the end of the season.
The 30-year-old has scored 23 tries in 67 appearances for Widnes since joining them for their return to Super League in 2012 but is currently sidelined with a torn pectoral muscle.
The Australian, who has also played for Hull and Wigan, said he was disappointed to be leaving the club.
"I just want to say a massive thank you from myself and my family to all the Widnes fans,” Phelps said.
"I've really enjoyed my time at the Vikings and I'm disappointed that I couldn't have stayed longer as I still feel I have a lot to offer.
"I'm going to miss all the lads. It has been an exciting four years and the progression we have made since rejoining Super League has been great."
Widnes coach Denis Betts said: "Cameron has been a key player for us in recent seasons and we are grateful for the contribution he has made to Widnes Vikings.
Cameron has been a key player for us in recent seasons and we are grateful for the contribution he has made to Widnes Vikings.
“We wish Cameron and his family all the very best for the future."
Widnes announced last week that half-back Grant Gore and three-quarter Dec Hulme are also leaving the club at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, the Vikings have launched a new partnership with the Rugby Football League to manage the Cumbria Regional Academy.
They already have links with Whitehaven and say they will also work with the area's two other professional clubs, Barrow and Workington, to nurture elite young talent in West Cumbria.
Widnes head of youth performance, Phil Finney, said: "We think that we can make good use of our experience and expertise alongside the vast local knowledge within the staff and volunteers already in place in the region to provide a pathway to England, Super League and the Championships for an increasing number of Cumbrian players."
