While Shane Grady was rightly afforded a sending off after deciding to hang up his boots at the end of the year, there was no such tribute for other departing players.

One of those, Danny Craven, confirmed his exit from the club following the defeat to Sheffield after 14 years and 188 appearances.

He was cruelly denied a final chance of playing for Widnes at the Halton Stadium, pulling out in the warm-up, and was replaced by Joe Lyons in the line-up as Widnes were beaten 38-18.

Craven is one of four current Widnes players heavily linked with a move to Oldham for 2024, the others being Aaron Brown, Adam Lawton and Owen Farnworth.

The club has stayed silent on expected departures, with the exception of Grady, whose retirement was announced at the back end of last week to enable him to be given a guard of honour and appropriate send-off by the fans in the final home game of the 2023 season.

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But for Craven, it now transpires his final home game in a Widnes shirt was the 12-4 win over Batley at the beginning of September.

Writing on social media, Craven said: “The old saying…All good things come to an end.

“After 14 seasons, today is my final home game as a Widnes Vikings player.

“I’m not usually a sentimental type of person, but I feel like I need to express how much a part this club has played in my life.

“I signed here as a boy, and I’ll be leaving as a husband to a beautiful wife, and a dad to two amazing children Loui and Jorgie, who make my heart burst with pride every day.

“Since Lou was born, all he has ever known is that he comes to watch his dad play for Widnes on a Sunday afternoon, he constantly tells me how much he wants to play for Widnes when he’s older. Fingers crossed!

“Jorgie only comes for the packed lunches that nanny makes her.

“Even though it’s sad to leave the club, me and my family will always be Widnes.

“Now we’re looking forward to the next chapter of my playing career.

“I want to wish the lads nothing but the best for the future, and to the supporters, I want to say thank you for being great with my family throughout my time at the club.

“It’s been some ride.”

MORE: Multiple players prepare to bid emotional farewell in Widnes’ final home match of 2023