After a season on the sidelines through injury, Dave Allen has been released by Whitehaven.

The popular forward, who was Player of the Year in 2016, has struggled with an ankle injury picked-up during pre-season.

Whitehaven have now announced that the club has come to a compromise agreement with the player.

The club’s general manager Amanda Hewer said: “The club has delayed making any announcement on this agreement until we had explored all medical options to see if he could possibly have played this season.

“But his injury was serious and recovery, if at all, will be a long process for him. Dave is no longer a player for Whitehaven RL 2010 Ltd.

“This was Dave’s third year with the club and I know everyone will all agree he has been fantastic for us.

“His passion and pride in playing for Whitehaven has been second to none and we are disappointed his time here has ended in a serious injury.

“We would like to wish Dave all the best for his future.”

Allen, who will be 32 next month, has played for Wigan, Oldham, Barrow and Widnes.

He also represented Ireland between 2006 and 2016 after originally being chosen for the England Academy squad in 2003.

Allen has seen a number of specialists but the prognosis wasn’t good and it was potentially a career-threatening injury.

Chairman Tommy Todd said: “There was the possibility of some pretty invasive surgery but it wouldn’t have enabled him to play this season at all.

“Whether he does go ahead with it in a bid to play again next season I don’t know but, whatever happens, we all wish him the very best.”