Off-contract St Helens youngster makes Championship move as brothers’ link-up confirmed

Championship outfit Widnes Vikings have confirmed the signing of young St Helens half-back Will Roberts on an initial two-week loan deal.

20-year-old Roberts, who first joined Saints at the age of 14, has progressed through the youth ranks at the Totally Wicked Stadium and penned a one-year contract extension at the start of 2025.

Yet to register his first senior appearance in the red vee, he will now seek game time at first-team level out on loan in the second tier at Widnes.

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St Helens youngster Will Roberts joins Widnes Vikings on loan

As he joins the Vikings, he will link up with older brother Max, who joined them in 2023 and has made 57 appearances in their colours across all competitions to date.

Widnes head coach Allan Coleman said: “He’s a player I’ve watched since he was 6/7 years old. I’ve coached him before, and obviously, he’s Max’s brother.

“He’s a very talented player, with a superb kicking game and a real run threat. He scores a lot of tries as a half, which is something that will be very important for us.

“He’s going to come in and lift us, and I think the fans will see what he’s got to offer this weekend.”

This won’t be Roberts’ first taste of the game at senior level having already represented both Swinton Lions and Rochdale Hornets on either dual-registration or loan.

Between those two clubs, he has amassed ten appearances and scored two tries, with both of those four-pointers coming for the Lions earlier this month.

Widnes – who currently sit 9th on the Championship ladder – host table toppers Toulouse Olympique at the DCBL Stadium on Saturday before travelling to Oldham next weekend.

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