The Vikings are delighted to announce our first new player signing of the 2024 season, as Sheffield Eagles forward Liam Kirk arrives at the DCBL Stadium on a two-year deal.
The tough-tackling prop has played 39 games over the last two seasons for Sheffield, and brings five years of Championship experience to spearhead a new-look Vikings pack in 2024.
Speaking with Vikings Media, Liam looked back on the 2023 season with Sheffield, saying; “As a club we had a really good season, I was in and out of the team at times but it was a massive achievement to reach the play-offs. It’s a shame we went out in the way we did, but I’m really looking forward to the new challenge here.”
“Widnes is a big, big club in a rebuilding phase, and I was on board with Allan Coleman’s vision for the new season very quickly. I can’t wait to get started under him and Tom Wood.”
Having reached the top 6 with the Eagles last season, Kirk is under no illusions that getting into the play-offs has to be the Vikings’ ambition as a minimum in 2024.
“I’ve played 5 consecutive seasons and over 100 games at Championship level now, and know just how tough this league can be. There’s plenty of lads already here with that kind of experience, and we want to build a winning culture that we can take onto the pitch.”
“As a pack, we want to lead from the front next year, and I want to play a big role in laying that platform for our outside backs to do their thing. The hard work starts in November and it can’t come soon enough.”
“I’m not a particularly big speaker on or off the pitch, I prefer to let my rugby do the talking, but I do want to improve this aspect of my own game and help the younger lads in the team to develop.”
The Vikings’ Director of Operations, Chris Hamilton commented on the signing: “It’s great to have Liam on board for the up-and-coming season. He’s a forward who brings size and power to our middle channels, something we need to add to our game.”
“He has experience at Championship level and will bring so much to our team next year, both on and off the field.”
Welcome to the Vikings Liam, and we can’t wait to cheer you and the rest of the team on in 2024!
