Widnes Vikings are delighted to announce that Louis Brogan’s loan has been extended until the end of the season while fellow Leigh Leopards player Keanan Brand has joined the club on a one-month loan.
Brogan made his first appearance for the club in Sunday’s defeat to Sheffield Eagles, while former Viking Keanan Brand returns to the club for the first time since his departure in 2019.
On the extension of Louis Brogan’s Loan, Allan Coleman said: “Louis Brogan is a player I have coached and monitored for the last 5 years.
“He is a player with everything you need to make it to the top and Leigh tying him down with a new 3-year deal is no surprise. To get him for the season is a real coup for us.
“He will bring speed and size to our middles, something I feel we need to push on.
“To be with us now till the end of the season will give him and us a lot more continuity together.”
On the arrival of Keanan Brand, Coleman said: “We have been moving and playing people out of position to help in our centre role, so to get Keanan Brand is fantastic for both parties.”
“Keanan is a very talented player, one who the fans will remember and hopefully be happy to see back in the Widnes jersey.
“He’s got speed and skill in abundance and a real attacking threat.
“I want to thank Chris Chester and Leigh Leopards for making this happen.”
The club can also confirm that Anthony Walker will depart the club with immediate effect to take up an opportunity with Swinton Lions.
Walker joined the club ahead of last season, he has made 35 appearances for the Vikings, scoring four tries.
On Walker’s departure, Allan Coleman said: “I would like to say a big thank you to Anthony for his services to Widnes Vikings.
“In my time here he has been fantastic and a real character for us as a team and a club.
“I made a decision not to retain ‘Walks’ for next season which is always difficult halfway through the season but with the rules now changed to the month of May with regards to when players can speak to other clubs it’s something we have to do.
He added: “Anthony came to me and told me he had an opportunity for the next 2 seasons but they wanted him immediately, So I felt it was only fair we allowed this to happen.
“It’s important we are a club that respects players and then players respect us as a club.
“Anthony was a massive fan favorite and will always have a place in our history and be a very popular player having said that we need to move forward and think about our squad and club.
“With Louis Brogan’s loan extending to the end of the season, we have already secured Anthony’s replacement and it excites me as a coach moving forward.”
Walker will not be allowed to play against the Vikings in next Sunday’s clash with Swinton.
Everyone at the club would like to thank Ant for his service over the past two seasons and wish him all the best.
