Stobart Super League newcomers Widnes Vikings have suffered a major blow with the loss of Australian half-back Anthony Watts for at least six months with a knee injury.

The 25-year-old former Sydney Roosters player tore his right anterior cruciate ligament after being introduced as a substitute for his Super League debut in Sunday’s 38-18 home defeat by Salford City Reds.

Watts was forced to miss the Vikings’ opening two matches after being injured in a pre-season friendly against St Helens.

He is the second Widnes player to be ruled out for six months after forward Ben Kavanagh ruptured an Achilles tendon against the Reds.