Widnes Vikings co-captain Chris Houston to retire at end of season

Widnes co-captain Chris Houston is to retire from rugby at the end of the 2018 season.

The Australian second-rower, 33, joined the Vikings from Newcastle Knights in 2016.

Houston, who was suspended for two matches earlier this season after colliding with a referee, is currently sidelined with a leg injury but hopes to return soon and enjoy a successful send-off.

He said: "I've really enjoyed my time at Widnes but I think it's the right time for me to plan for the next stage of my life. I've got another baby coming along in two months' time, so it's the right time for me to consider my next chapter.

"The big thing for me now is to focus on getting back onto the field. I'm not too far off being back to full fitness, and my main priority is playing well for the team and enjoying my remaining games."

Live Betfred Super League

Widnes sit 10th in the Betfred Super League with three wins from 13 games. They face leaders St Helens on Saturday at Magic Weekend, live on Sky Sports Arena.

"It hurts me that I've not been able to give the town and team more success, but that's the nature of footy sometimes," said Houston.

"That disappoints me a lot, especially being co-captain - it's something I take personally.

"I want my remaining games to be positive ones that I'll be able to look back fondly on."