Leeds Rhinos release Joe Vickery

Joe Vickery has left Super League champions Leeds Rhinos after being released from the remainder of his contract.

The 23-year-old winger, who joined the Rhinos on a one-year deal from NRL side Gold Coast Titans, has not played since suffering an ankle injury in May.Vickery told the club's website: "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.

"The World Club Challenge against Melbourne was probably the highlight of my life, to run out in front of that incredible crowd and be part of that game was a huge moment for me.

Joe Vickery:  Photo/Sky News/Getty Images

"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."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. He was a very popular member of the squad and we all wish him well."

Half-back Rob Burrow told Sky Sports News Radio that Vickery had fitted in well at the Rhinos after earning his contract by impressing on trial during pre-season.

"He was a really good lad and someone you really bonded with as a team-mate," the England international said. "He's going to try things new; I know he's going on a decent trip around Europe before he heads back to Australia.

"With a club like Leeds, players often end up going somewhere else and doing well. It's a great club to fall out of."

Sky News