Widnes Vikings have been left “disappointed” after one of their key players have decided to leave the club, with less than two weeks before the Championship season begins.
Italian international Jake Maizen will return to Australia, with the club announcing the news on Tuesday evening.
The Vikings say “made every effort” in supporting the outside back, but respect his decision to return to his native country.
Maizen put his name in the shop window in the 2022 World Cup, as he scored a hat-trick for Italy against Scotland. After playing in the Queensland Cup, he earned a deal with Halifax Panthers in the Championship ahead of 2023, and he has played in the UK ever since.
A move to Whitehaven came in 2024, before he switched sides again half-way through 2025 and joined the Vikings.
The 29-year-old was firmly in the plans of head coach Allan Coleman this year, with the club giving him the number 17 squad number.
On his departure, the boss said: “We respect Jake’s decision, but naturally we’re very disappointed.
“I’ve been chasing him for a couple of years, and we tried so hard to get him in, so with the way it’s ended up, it’s obviously disappointing.
“That said, I wish him nothing but the best with his family and newborn baby. I totally understand his reasons for leaving, but obviously, when things get taken out of your hands, it’s frustrating to lose a player like Jake.”
Commenting on his exit, Maizen had nothing but respect for the Widnes club, and thanked them for all their efforts during his time there. In total, he played nine times for the club, scoring five tries.
Championship side “actively seeking” replacement after star’s exit
The club have confirmed they will be looking for a replacement to fill the gap in the squad left by his exit, and hope to announce a new arrival as soon as possible.
The news comes in the same week that reports elsewhere have linked Widnes with an ambitious move for Warrington Wolves star Matt Dufty.
The full-back was out of form for most of 2025, and with Cai Taylor-Wray seemingly being Sam Burgess’ first choice number one, an exit from the Halliwell Jones Stadium could be Dufty’s best chance of game time.
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The club can confirm that Jake Maizen has been released from his contract to allow him to return home to Australia.
We’d like to thank Jake for his efforts during his time with the club.
Full statement ⤵️https://t.co/hRcvRFzAEC
— Widnes Vikings (@WidnesRL) January 6, 2026
