Monday evening saw a new-look Vikings squad return for pre-season training ahead of the 2023 Betfred Championship campaign.
Welsh World Cup representatives including Matty Fozard and two of our new signings, Ant Walker and Will Evans have been given an extended break due to their international commitments in the Rugby League World Cup.
Head coach John Kear currently has 27 players signed up for the 2023 season, including nine new signings.
Kieron Dixon and Callum Field, who both had loan spells at the Vikings last season, have made permanent moves from Leigh Leopards and Featherstone Rovers respectively.
Two former academy graduates in Tom Gilmore and Jordan Johnstone both signed two-year deals ahead of this season.
LATEST NEWS: New Widnes Vikings support scheme kicks off
Gilmore joins having played in all but one of Batley Bulldogs’ games since he joined the club two seasons ago. His first season saw him nominated for the Betfred Championship player of the year. ‘Gilly’ led the Bulldogs on their charge to the Championship Grand Final last season, where they came within one game of Super League.
Johnstone re-joins the club after a three-year spell at Super League side Hull FC. Jordan brings a wealth of top flight experience and at the age of 25, he still has his best years ahead of him.
The signing of Kyle Amor was announced back in July. Kyle is a four time Super League Grand Final winner and has played at the pinnacle of the game for a long time. He joins the Vikings in a new look forward pack on a one-year deal.
Max Roberts and Lewis Hatton have both joined on one-year deals from Swinton Lions after they were part of the squad who gained promotion to the Championship for 2023.
Both players played in the League One Grand Final win against Doncaster. Lewis is a no nonsense prop forward and Max is primarily a centre, but has the ability to play back-row. Both of these signings add competition for places to get into the matchday 17.
ON SALE NOW: 2023 season tickets
Seven of the 2022 squad who were off contract at the end of the season have also signed extensions with the club alongside 10 players who were already under contract for the 2023 season.
Those 10 include club captain Jack Owens, fans’ Player of the Year Liam Bent and Players’ Player of the Year Owen Farnworth.
There is still space within the squad for further additions, should they become available.
Our full fixture list for the 2023 Betfred Championship season will be released on Sunday 13 November, with our first home game to be revealed at noon on Saturday.
Details of the 2023 Summer Bash will be announced on Tuesday 15 November.
Players already under contract for 2023:
Aaron Brown
Liam Bent
Danny Craven
Owen Farnworth
Matty Fleming
Ryan Ince
Josh Johnson
Adam Lawton
Joe Lyons
Jack Owens
Sam Wilde
Contract extensions for 2023:
Oliver Brookes
Oliver Davies
Joe Edge
Matty Fozard
Shane Grady
Brad Holroyd
Will Tilleke
New signings for 2023:
Kyle Amor
Kieran Dixon
Will Evans
Callum Field
Tom Gilmore
Lewis Hatton
Jordan Johnstone
Max Roberts
Anthony Walker
Join us in 2023! Widnes Vikings season tickets are now on general sale!
