Widnes Vikings are delighted to announce the return of Shane Grady to the first-team squad until the end of 2024.
Grady, who announced his retirement last season, will come out of retirement to join the Vikings for the remainder of the season.
He has made 133 appearances for Widnes, scoring 38 tries.
On his return to the Vikings, Grady said: “I’m delighted to rejoin the club. I’m a Widnes lad so to come back is brilliant.
“It’s always an honour to pull on the Widnes shirt and I hope what I bring to the squad can be a boost for the remainder of the season.”
He added: “I know how tough the season is in terms of what it can take out of the squad and I know Allan has been hit with a few bad injuries. I just want to be there to try and help strengthen his squad.
“It’s a tough run in at the end of the season in the lead-up to the playoffs so if I can just come down there and add some value to the squad then I’m happy.
“Having played for eight years at Widnes, I’ve loved every minute of it. I want to help the lads secure the playoffs because that’s what the town deserves.”
Head Coach Allan Coleman said: “When we spoke to Shane coming back was something he was really keen on.
“With us approaching the business end of the year, we’re going to need bodies and experience. And there is nobody more experienced than Shane Grady.
“I’m just absolutely delighted to get Shane back in the fold.”
Head of Operations Chris Hamilton said: “It says a lot about Shane as a person, that he wanted to put his hand up to help the club.
“We were disappointed when he decided to hang his boots up after last season, but he has always stayed in touch, and has been coming to games.
“When I spoke to him earlier this week, he had a very honest chat and he didn’t want to see the club struggling with injuries and certainly still has something to offer.
“With the deadline for signings being today, we met and got the paperwork sorted, so that he is available to Allan should we need him.”
He added: “He already has commitments for this month but will then join training and, knowing Shane, will no doubt be right up there pushing for a place!
“We know the fans will welcome him back and I am sure they will also appreciate the magnificent gesture he has made to help his hometown club.
“We have worked hard to bring the players we have announced this week to the club as we strive to kick on and build on the momentum of the season.
“All of the lads are really looking forward to pulling on that Widnes shirt!“
Everyone at the Vikings is delighted to welcome Shane back to the club!
