Vickery leaves Leeds

Winger Joe Vickery has been released from his contract with Leeds.

Vickery, 23, joined the Rhinos in the close season from NRL side Gold Coast, but he has not played since suffering an ankle injury back in May.

Having joined on a one year contract, the club have agreed to release him from the remainder of this season.

Vickery had originally joined Leeds on trial at the start of pre-season and he did well enough to earn himself a contract.

An ankle injury in the first game of the season against Hull FC prevented him from continuing that momentum, and the former St George Illawarra man has endured a frustrating 2013.

Commenting on the announcement, Vickery said, “I don’t regret anything and I just want to thank the club for giving me the best opportunity ever. I wish things had worked out differently but that wasn’t to be.

“I will take some time off now to travel for a bit and then I will be heading home to Australia to start the next chapter of my life.”

Head Coach Brian McDermott added, “Joe leaves the club with our very best wishes and thanks for his efforts since coming to the Rhinos. I think he deserves a lot of credit for backing himself and coming over here to try and earn a shot at playing top flight rugby league.

“He has been very honest and very professional during his time at the club. He can be proud that he backed himself and joins a very select group of players who have represented this great club.”

Vickery made ten appearances for the Rhinos and scored one try, that coming in the loss to Wigan at the Magic Weekend.