PHIL Cantillon this week spoke of his disappointment of being told there is no new contract for him at Widnes Vikings next year.

The fans' favourite was informed of the decision last week - ironically, in the build up to Sunday's game with Wakefield which gave him his first Super League start of the campaign.

"Obviously I'm really disappointed about the decision as I wanted to stay, but there is not a lot you can do about it," said Cantillon, who holds the record for tries in a season by a forward after scoring 48 in 2001.

"I have had a brilliant few years at the club but I have got to get on with it.

"I have appointed an agent and we are weighing up some offers from Super League club and hopefully I'll be back in Super League next year."

Cantillon's days looked to be numbered when Kelly brought in hooker Shane Millard, from St George-Illawarra, and half back-cum-hooker - Dean Lawford from Batley Bulldogs.

But Cantillon revealed that he was willing to fight for his place.

"Neil brought in some players in my position but there was never a problem with that. He is the coach of the side and if he wants to bring in another top class hooker then that was always his prerogative," he said.

Cantillon, who will no doubt play an important role in the final few games of the season, says he is desperate to finish his Vikings career on a high.

"Even though it looks like I won't be here next year I will remain professional about it and all my efforts will be focused on ensuring that Widnes get to the play off's, and that would be brilliant for the fans, as they deserve it.

"The Widnes fans have been really good to me during my time at the Halton Stadium and they have given me a real lift over the past two years in Super League which I'm really grateful for."

Meanwhile, Kelly revealed that the decision to offload Cantillon was not entirely from a coaching perspective, as he added that money had influenced his decision.

"There has been an economic aspect about the decision but not totally," said Kelly. "I have been told what I can spend and you have to cut the cloth in order to what you can afford.

"In an ideal world you would want cover in position but when budgets are tight that might not be possible.

"In this case, I have decided to keep a player who can cover not one but three positions and we have that in Lawford who gives us cover at six, seven and nine."