Widnes Vikings have pulled out of a deal to sign former Wakefield Trinity Wildcats forward Jarrad Hickey, who was released by London Broncos earlier this season.

The 26-year-old prop joined the Broncos on a 12-month contract from the Wildcats last September but never played for the club after it was discovered he would have taken the club over their import quota.

He was poised to join the Vikings after agreeing personal terms but was unable to secure a visa.

Widnes director of rugby Paul Cullen said: "We offered Jarrad an opportunity to play until the end of the 2012 season but following his contractual issues at London Broncos and the subsequent delays in his visa application, he has decided to go home."