WIDNES Vikings are in the hunt for a new scrum-half after coach Paul Cullen released Australian star James Webster.

The Vikings were out-thought and outfought by Co-operative Championship rivals Leigh Centurions last Thursday during their 16-3 defeat and now Cullen has dropped the axe on Webster and full-back James Ford, who has been told he can find a new club.

Webster’s contract was due to run out at the end of the current campaign but the club have took the decision to cut their losses now.

The former Parramatta half-back has been linked with the vacant assistant coaches’ berth at his old club Hull FC and now it seems certain he will join the Airlie Birds following his release at Widnes.

Vikings sporting director, Terry O’Connor, is now exploring the possibility of bringing in a new number seven and is scouring the competition both at home and Down Under.

Ford, the full-back or centre who scored four tries on his debut in the Northern Rail Cup, has flattered to deceive in recent weeks and his previous two performances haven’t been anywhere near good enough for his employers. Cullen has told him he has no future at Stobart Stadium and has granted permission for him to speak to new clubs.

Vikings CEO Alex Bonney said: “Paul Cullen made it clear that there would be changes following recent performances which have fallen below his acceptable standards. His ambition for our club is to compete and win at the highest level – he knows what this will take, and he is willing to make some tough calls to get us there.”

The third change at the Vikings is that Widnesian Dave Allen has been appointed club captain with immediate effect. He will be relieving Mark Smith of the captaincy – the hooker is presently sidelined with a fractured cheek bone.