Cullen's wife is suffering cancer for the second time

Widnes Vikings head coach Paul Cullen has been given compassionate leave to take care of his wife Chris, who is having treatment for cancer.

Assistant coach Stuart Wilkinson and conditioner Mick Cassidy will take charge for Sunday's pre-season friendly at Blackpool.

Cullen said: "I really appreciate the club's kindness in allowing me leave to care and cope at home.

"We have gone through this before in 2007 only to face the fight again."

Cullen took over Widnes earlier this year and led them to Northern Rail Cup success and the Championship play-offs, where they lost to Featherstone Rovers in the semi-final.

The former Whitehaven boss left Warrington by mutual consent in 2008 after more than five and a half years in charge.

He was also England coach between 2006 and 2007.

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