Olbison delighted to be handed a contract extension
● WIDNES have extended the contract of back-rower Tom Olbison to the end of the 2018 campaign.
Olbison, 26, joined the Vikings at the start of the 2017 season from Bradford Bulls and has played 18 games in the current campaign.
Vikings boss Denis Betts said: “Tom came here with the ambition of building a career in Super League and he has proven himself at this level.
“He has settled in well and made a good contribution to the team this year. I’m very pleased that he has chosen to sign this new deal and look forward to continuing to work with him.”
Olbison added: “I’ve really enjoyed my first year at Widnes Vikings.
“It’s been a great experience to play regular top-level rugby and I feel like I have developed well as a player here.
“I’m really pleased to have this opportunity to extend my stay and I’m looking forward to what we can achieve going forward.”
Meanwhile, Warrington head coach Tony Smith is looking to build on his team’s battling victory over Wigan Warriors last Thursday night when they entertain the Vikings this evening.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s derby showdown with Widnes, Smith said: “We feel that we’ve made some progress over the last couple of weeks and we want to keep that momentum and that feeling of confidence about the manner in which we’re playing, particularly in defence.
“We need to keep that progressing rather than feeling like we’re starting a whole new competition. That’s a big focus for us.”
Warrington have stand-off and former Widnes skipper Kevin Brown along with winger Matty Russell back from injury to take the places of Kurt Gidley and Ben Pomeroy, who were hurt in the win over Wigan.