Widnes Vikings have released Australian utility player Anthony Watts less than a week after handing him a new contract.

The 25-year-old, who joined the Vikings on a 12-month deal from North Queensland in the winter, suffered a ruptured cruciate knee ligament 10 minutes into his Stobart Super League debut against Salford City Reds in February.

That injury ruled him out of the rest of the season but he was last week given a new deal for 2013.

Today, however, the bottom-of-the-table Super League club announced they have agreed to release Watts from his contract with immediate effect due to personal reasons.

Watts said: “I would like to thank Widnes Vikings for the opportunity but I need to return home for personal reasons.

“As I suggested recently, I genuinely believe the club will be a huge force within the next few years and go on to achieve great things in the game.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be a part of that but I hope the fans continue to show the passion and commitment that I have witnessed in my short time there and help steer this great club back in the right direction.

“I wish all concerned at Widnes Vikings well for the future.”