Widnes have been rocked by the news that captain Steve Carter needs an ankle reconstruction.

The 32-year-old stand-off sustained the injury during pre-season training in Pretoria.

The Vikings have already lost new second row forward Andy Isherwood to a serious back injury.

And their problems have been compounded by the decision of Australian Craig Weston to return home to be with his ill mother.

Isherwood will remain in South Africa for at least a month after undergoing surgery for a ruptured disc.