Johnson earns new Widnes deal

James Gordon

Widnes have handed a new two-year deal to prop Paul Johnson.

Johnson, 26, arrived in the close season from Hull on a one-year deal, and has impressed enough to earn a contract extension until the end of 2016.

Coach Denis Betts said: “Paul is a person of real quality and he’s a great bloke to have around the Club. His deal is a reward for how hard he’s worked since he’s been here. He got released early from his contract at Hull but he’s backed himself here and every time he’s played for us he’s put in quality performances.

“We knew that as soon he got settled at the Club and in an environment that he’s happy with we’d get the best out of him and that’s proven to be the case. He’s going to get better and better, he has a lot of potential in him and we are looking forward to working with him in achieving that over the next couple of years.”

Johnson played in yesterday’s win over St Helens, the club at which he started his career, before moving on to Wakefield.

He said: “It has come a little sooner than I thought but when Denis Betts came up to me and offered me the chance to re-sign, I was delighted to put my name to the contract. I originally signed here on a one year deal and it was my goal to work hard and get a new contract so to do that now is great for me.

“As soon as I came here I knew Widnes Vikings is a Club I’d like to be at for a long time. The people here, the set up and the facilities are first class, so to be at the Select Security Stadium for another two seasons is brilliant.”