VIKINGS' prop forward Troy Stone has decided to call time on his Rugby League career at the end of the season, the club announced this week.
The 30-year-old will not be seeing out the second year of his two-year contract and is set to return to his native Sydney, in Australia, to set up a carpentry business.
Widnes director of coaching, Neil Kelly, who revealed Stone's pending departure on Tuesday, said: "It's a shame because I think Troy has been playing well for us in the second half of the season...but he is looking to start the rest of his life."
Stone's decision will mean Kelly will have a vacancy in the quota of overseas players allowed by the Super League and could look aboard for a suitable replacement.
In the interim, however, Kelly said: "There are replacements in the squad and it gives us the opportunity that quarter spot creates to strengthen up in other areas.
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