Hometown forward Shane Grady has signed a new one-year deal for the 2023 season.
Next year will be 15 years since the 32-year-old made his Vikings debut after coming through the club’s academy and he has gone on to make 110 appearances in two spells for the club.
He returned ahead of the 2020 season after three seasons each at Halifax and Dewsbury, as well as a stint down south with London Broncos and in Australia with Thirroul Butchers.
The former West Bank Bears junior had an injury hit campaign in 2022, limited to nine appearances after being handed the number 10 shirt at the start of the year. He recovered from MCL and abductor injuries to feature in the final three games of the year.
Grady said: “I’m a homegrown lad and it’s every Widnes lad’s dream to play for their hometown club.
“It’s a bit mad to think I’ve been around for 15 years. I still feel like an 18 year old! I was lucky enough to start my career at Widnes and I want to finish my career here, and I’ve had some good times in between.
“We’ve got to improve next year, that’s the bottom line. First off, I’m a fan before a player and not making the play-offs is massively disappointing.
“We should be doing what Batley are now. The play-offs have got to be the aim, that goes without saying. With some good signings, we’ll have a good squad and we should be able to contend in every game and hopefully we can challenge.
“It was tough last season and I was a bit down with the game due to the injuries but it doesn’t take long to get back on it. There’s nothing like being part of the team and training as an injured player is sometimes difficult. But it’s a good club with good lads and I’ve got a good family behind me.
“As long as my body tells me I can do it, and Widnes want me, I’ll keep signing.”
Grady’s re-signing follows the news last week that Jordan Johnstone is returning to the Vikings from Hull FC on a two-year deal.
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