Widnes Vikings are pleased to announce that Nathan Connell has signed a two-year contract extension to keep him with the club until at least the end of 2028.
Connell, 20, was an off-season signing from Salford and has gone on to score six tries in eight appearances after making the full-back berth his own.
He said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be re-signing for the next two years.
“The club has got a lot of ambition and I can’t wait to be a part of that. I see what they’re doing right now off the pitch and on the field it’s great to be a part of it, and in the next few years it can only get better and I don’t want to miss out on that.
“I’ve definitely been made to feel at home from the start which is always nice and made the decision easier.
“The season so far has been good and we can definitely kick on. For me personally, it’s been a good start and I know I’ve got a lot more to give so it’s only just the beginning.”
Connell, who made 24 appearances in Super League for Salford, made his Vikings debut in the 76-0 Challenge Cup win over Thatto Heath back in January, scoring two tries.
He scored on his home debut, in the win over North Wales Crusaders, and went on to score in the home win over Goole and two in the win over Hunslet, which earned him the Player of the Match award and ultimately March’s Player of the Month.
Head Coach Allan Coleman said: “We’re over the moon to have Nathan for another two seasons. He’s a player we identified last year as a potential one for the future and he’s proven himself with how he’s approached pre-season and how he’s approached the start of the season with the ability he’s got.
“We’re really happy with where he’s at and happy to keep him onboard. It shows the kind of player the club are looking to retain and keep moving forward, and push on with the exciting challenge of young players coming through that we’ve not had for a long period.
“He is the first of many hopefully in the next few weeks, we’ll see quite a few retentions from the current squad and some players from other clubs that we’re looking to bring in for next season.
“We’re always striving and looking to be stronger and better.”
Nathan Connell is sponsored by West End Motors.
The club would also like to thank Widnes VIPS for their support in assisting with this contract extension. To find out more about Widnes VIPS and to sign up for the scheme, click here
