How Widnes Vikings are shaping up for 2023
(L-R) Kyle Amor, Jordan Johnstone and Kieran Dixon have signed for Widnes ahead of next season
Widnes Vikings coach John Kear has 27 players registered in his first team squad ahead of the 2023 Championship season, featuring nine new signings.
The Vikings finished seventh in the league table last term, missing out on a spot in the play-offs.
And with a play-off goal in mind for 2023, Widnes have brought in nine new players to the DCBL Stadium.
Kear has bolstered his pack by bringing in front-rowers Kyle Amor, Ant Walker, Lewis Hatton and Callum Field.
Two fan favourites have returned to the Vikings in the shape of Tom Gilmore and Jordan Johnstone. Both players came through the club’s academy.
Will Evans, who has recently enjoyed an impressive World Cup campaign with Wales, has linked up with his national coach Kear in clubland for 2023. Another centre who has put pen to paper is young centre Max Roberts, who has spent the last two seasons with Oldham and Swinton after progressing through Wigan’s academy.
Speedy winger Kieran Dixon has made his move to Widnes permanent after scoring three tries in five games on loan from Leigh in 2022.
Widnes have also tied down seven players to new deals for 2023 – Oliver Brookes, Oliver Davies, Joe Edge, Matty Fozard, Shane Grady, Brad Holroyd and Will Tilleke.
The Vikings have plenty of options in their spine for next season. Captain Jack Owens, Danny Craven, Gilmore and Matty Fozard are to link up together.
Widnes have three current internationals among their squad. Evans, Fozard and Walker all played under Kear for Wales at the World Cup. Amor represented Ireland at the last World Cup in 2017.
Widnes Vikings squad for 2023 so far
Backs: Danny Craven, Matty Fleming, Ryan Ince, Joe Lyons, Jack Owens, Oliver Brookes, Joe Edge, Brad Holroyd, Kieran Dixon, Will Evans, Tom Gilmore, Max Roberts.
Forward: Aaron Brown, Liam Bent, Owen Farnworth, Josh Johnson, Adam Lawton, Sam Wilde, Oliver Davies, Matty Fozard, Shane Grady, Will Tilleke, Kyle Amor, Callum Field, Lewis Hatton, Jordan Johnstone, Ant Walker.
Widnes say there is still space within the squad for further additions, should they become available.
More Championship content
Jy Hitchcox calls time on career, aged 33
Toulouse swoop for former Wigan half-back
Former Tonga international Sitaleki Akauola makes Championship move
FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast