Isa signs new Widnes deal

Widnes utility Willie Isa has signed a one-year contract extension.

Isa, 24, has impressed in the pack in recent weeks, having switched from the three-quarter line.

He joined the Vikings from Castleford ahead of the 2012 season, and has since made 42 appearances.

Coach Denis Betts said: “Willie’s attitude, enthusiasm and character are second to none. He is a great human being who’s fantastic to have about the place.

“He gives you everything and you can’t knock that. He looks after himself and trains hard every week, and he’s been defining his place in the team.

“Over the last month, he’s found himself. He asked for an opportunity to prove himself as a middle-unit player and he’s been proved right.

“We’re trying our best as an organisation to keep those kinds of people here, and I am delighted that Willie will still be with us in 2014.”

The Kiwi-born Samoa international was also recognised for his work off the pitch at the club’s end of season awards, earning the “Community Player of the Year” award.

He said: “We’ve got a great bunch of players at Widnes, we’re moving in the right direction and I’m proud to wear the jersey. The club has always been an option for me and my family, and I was really pleased to sign an extension to stay here for longer.

“Obviously there’s a feeling of disappointment in the group that we missed out on the ‘Top 8′ this time around, but there’s also a belief that we can kick on and definitely achieve it next year.”