Houston happy to commit once more to Widnes
● WIDNES co-captain Chris Houston has renewed his contract for the 2018 season.
The 32-year-old Australian second-row has played 49 games for the Vikings since joining the club last year. He previously had extensive experience in the NRL, playing almost 200 games for St George-Illawarra Dragons and Newcastle Knights between 2007 and 2015.
Houston was named a co-captain of the Vikings at the start of this season along with Joe Mellor.
Widnes boss, Denis Betts, said: “I am delighted that Chris has chosen to renew his contract with the Vikings and shown such belief in what we are building here. Since he joined the club, Chris has provided invaluable experience and leadership skills to the squad.
“It’s pleasing to have retained a player of his quality for the 2018 campaign.”
Houston added: “I’m pleased to have renewed my contract with the Vikings for the third season. Although we’ve had a tough year, I’m confident we’ll be able to perform at a high standard for the remainder of season and finish the year well. This season we have had our depth tested by injuries and it’s a credit to our Academy system that we have had young players step up and perform well. I believe that we will be stronger for their experiences this year and that these young players have an exciting future ahead. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Widnes Vikings and I am excited for what we can achieve in 2018.” ● FORWARD Sam Brooks has left the Vikings by mutual agreement to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Brooks signed for Widnes in 2016 from Whitehaven and made five appearances for the Vikings, scoring one try.
He said: “I have found my game time limited at the Vikings and at this stage in my career it is important to me that I play rugby league regularly. By moving on, I will have the opportunity to pursue a career in the game elsewher. I would like to thank the players and staff at Widnes Vikings and wish them all the best for the coming seasons.”
Sunday, July 13, 2003 THE push for a playoff place was boosted with an emphatic 46-10 home win against Hull.
After Paul Devlin’s third minute opener, four tries came in a blistering 11 minute spell from Adam Hughes, Shane Millard, Stuart Spruce and Phil Cantillon, sweeping the visitors aside.
Jules O’Neill added a sixth try to go with five conversions before the break.
In an anti-climactic second half, the Vikings added converted tries from Hughes and Jason Demetriou despite the 68th minute dismissal of forward Anthony Farrell. ● WIDNES VIKINGS: On This Day is available now at £9.99 from the Vikings Superstore. ● HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS ......... 40 WIDNES VIKINGS ........................ 0
WIDNES boss Denis Betts may want to avail himself of the services of a hypnotist after his side’s 40-0 drubbing at Huddersfield Giants last Friday evening.
Erasing his players’ memory of the match may be his best best after an abject showing.
Betts will be hoping the performance was just an aberration.
After all, the Vikings had won three of their previous six games and been competitive in the others. But things went awry pretty much from the outset at the John Smith’s Stadium with the Giants rattling up an 18-0 lead in the first 16 minutes.