Vikings dive in for Bradford second rower
HUDDERSFIELD Giants’ first opponents of the new Super League season, Widnes Vikings, have announced the signing of Bradford Bulls forward Tom Olbison.
The 25-year-old second rower became a free agent when the Bulls went into liquidation.
Olbison, who made more than 140 appearances for his hometown club, has joined the Vikings for the 2017 season, with an option for 2018.
Widnes coach Denis Betts said: “We are bringing in a lad who is really desperate to get back into Super League. He’s at a really good age, really durable and will certainly enhance our squad.
“He will be pushing for a starting spot in the back row, putting pressure on that position, an area of our squad which I thought we needed to strengthen.”
Olbison said: “I’m buzzing and I can’t wait to get started with the club.
“I’ve had a couple of years in the Championship and I’ve wanted to get into Super League as soon as I could so to be given this opportunity with Widnes Vikings is massive for me.
“I know a couple of faces here from my time at Bradford, so I can’t wait to get in and meet all the lads and get stuck in.”
Olbison is Widnes’ second recruit for the new season following the arrival of centre Tom Armstrong from Leigh Centurions and was the second player to confirm his departure from Bradford after Jason Walton signed for Featherstone Rovers.
The Vikings are hopeful scrum-half Joe Mellor will be fit for the start of the season.
Mellor suffered a knee injury against Warrington on December 27 and the 26-year-old, who scored 11 tries last season, is currently wearing a knee brace and will be assessed by a specialist next week.
Widnes host the Giants in their opening game of the season on Friday, February 10, and the Vikings said in a statement: “The club remain confident that Joe will be fit for the start of the Super League campaign.” ■■Hull FC coach Lee Radford has revealed that new signing Albert Kelly could make his debut for the club this Sunday – against his former team Hull KR.
The Hull sides meet for the traditional pre-season friendly at the KC Stadium with Radford likely to field a young side – as he did on Boxing Day against Castleford Tigers.
However, Radford has hinted that Kelly, who recently joined Hull on a free transfer after being released by the Robins at the end of last season, could be set to feature.
“We’ll be deciding on the make-up of the squad over the next 24 hours, but Albert could be in line to feature,” said Radford.
“It is another great chance for our youngsters to test themselves against decent opposition and for some it will be there first taste of playing at the stadium.
“Albert is also chomping at the bit to get his first taste of playing in front of the home fans so he might get a run out too.” ■■Hull KR’s Australian prop Dane Tilse has announced his retirement from professional rugby league for family reasons at the age of 31.
The former Canberra forward, who made 48 appearances in two seasons with the Robins and was a member of the team that was relegated from Super League at the end of 2016, had opted to remain with the club in the Championship and returned to pre-season training last month but has now decided to hang up his boots.