Brown excited by Widnes plans

Kevin Brown says he has joined Widnes because he is “excited” by their plans.

Brown, 27, will leave Huddersfield at the end of the year to start a four-year deal at the Stobart Stadium in a surprise move.

He said: “The main reason is family. My nan had cancer last year and I’ve just had a kid and realised how important family are.

“This opportunity came up and I couldn’t turn it down. I spoke to the board at the start of the year and told them I was missing the family. At first I was going to move back and travel to Huddersfield but a couple of clubs came in.

“Wigan was an option. I spoke to them but I’m more than happy with the choice I’ve made.

“I know what the coach is all about. I’ve worked with Denis Betts before and he’s a fantastic coach. Obviously at the moment, they’re struggling on the field.

“But I met (chairman) Steve O’Connor and he’s one of the main reasons I’m going there. People ask ‘Why Widnes?’ but I know the ambition they’ve got. Their plans for the next three years are very exciting.

“I remember when I first came to Huddersfield (in 2006) I wasn’t too keen.

“But we’ve got stronger and stronger since then, and I now regard it as the best move I ever made. I hope it’ll be the same at Widnes.”

A product of the Wigan academy system, Brown moved to the Giants in a season where they finished 9th in the Super League table.

He has since become captain at the Galpharm Stadium, and helped them to three consecutive play-off finishes and a Challenge Cup final in 2009.

Widnes have struggled in their first season back in the top flight, winning just two games.