Widnes have confirmed the departures of first-team players Matt Whitley, Joe Mellor and Gil Dudson.

England Knights representative Whitley, 22, came through the academy at the Vikings and played over 100 first-team games for the club.

Mellor, 27, joined Widnes from Wigan Warriors in 2013 and played over 150 games for the club.

Wales international Dudson joined Widnes from Wigan in 2015 and played almost 100 games for Widnes.

Widnes chief executive James Rule said: “There is no doubting the commitment and efforts of these players during their years of service at the club.

“Matt was one of the cohort of players under the age of 22 that the club approached prior to the end of last season offering to honour their Super League contracts irrespective of the division we were playing in next season.

“However, Matt has informed us of his desire to stay in Super League next season and leaves with our best wishes.

“Joe and Gil have also notified the club that they wish to leave the Vikings and embark on the next chapter of their careers. We thank both of them for their contributions to the club and wish them the best of luck for their future careers.”