Chris Dean signs three-year deal with Widnes

Widnes have awarded centre Chris Dean a new three-year contract, after he enjoyed an impressive 2014 campaign for the Vikings.

The 26-year-old still had a year to run on his previous deal, but eight tries in 24 games last season helped him stake a claim to extend his stay with the Chemics.

“Chris is an outstanding individual and is a great bloke to have around the place,” said Vikings coach Denis Betts.

“Clubs are built on people like Chris Dean – he’s a great clubman. He’s still only young and we feel we are only just scratching the surface with him.

“He’s as quick and as strong as anybody at the club and we are only just starting to see his consistency.

“We’ve given him this new deal as a reward as we feel he deserves to be part of this process and journey for longer.

“The three years he’s been at the club he’s showed us what a fantastic professional he is and we are really pleased to get this deal tied up.”

Dean himself is delighted to have secured his future with Widnes.

“The length of this deal gives me security for my family as my partner and I have recently had a daughter and I am grateful to the club for this,” he said.

“When Denis and James Rule approached me about staying at the club for the next 3 years it was a no brainer really.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 3 years here and am exciting about being a part of the progression going forward as I feel we are building something special here.

2We have come a long way since our first season and are looking to build on our achievements from 2014.

“I can’t wait to get going in 2015 and give our fans more to cheer about as they have been fantastic and stood by us since our return to Super League.”