Leuluai extends Widnes deal

Widnes back-rower Macgraff Leuluai has signed a 12-month contract extension, committing him to the club until the end of 2016.

Leuluai, 24, is the brother of New Zealand international Thomas and son of former Hull star James, and scored one try in 23 appearances in 2014.

He said: “”I love the Club and I’’m enjoying my footy here so it was an easy decision for me to make.

“”We are building something quite special here at Widnes and I’m pleased to be a part of it and contributing to the group. “We are continuing to make new ground as a Club and I’’m happy with the way my performances have gone on the pitch too. I want to improve and I’’ll continue to work hard with Denis and the coaches to get there. We’’ve had a great season but we feel we can only build on that next year.””

Coach Denis Betts added: ““Macgraff has developed so much since we brought him on our Super League journey from the Championship. He’’s a player who just gets better and better and we think there’’s so much more in him.

““He’’s had a very good season for us this year and he’’s really benefitting from the culture and environment we’’ve created. He works extremely hard and wants to improve and I’’m excited about what type of player Macgraff can really develop into. I believe he’’s a player who’’s potential is limitless.””

Wakefield-born Leuluai joined the Vikings ahead of the 2011 season from Leigh, and was named in the Championship Dream Team in his debut season with the club.