Patrick Ah Van signs short-term deal at Widnes
Widnes have signed Patrick Ah Van on a short-term deal until the end of the season, following the culmination of his four-week trial at the club.
Ah Van, 31, returned to the Vikings who he left at the end of last year to play for free, with the club being unable to make permanent signings due to the special measures restrictions placed on them.
He played in the 1895 Cup semi-final win at Leigh, playing on with a nasty looking ankle injury.
Ah Van told the club’s official website: “I’m really happy to get it sorted. I only came back into the club because some of the boys asked me to help out when a few injuries happened.
“I’ve been following how Widnes had been getting on this year whilst I was over in France, and I saw we had injuries, so I offered my services to Kieron. A few of them are now back to full fitness, so I’ve got some work to do to stay in the team!
“Being part of the team that got to the final last weekend was great. I didn’t want to just re-sign and be part of Wembley for myself, but for the lads and the fans who have been through such a tough time at the start of the year.
“It was one of the best experiences I’ve had at Widnes winning at Leigh and getting through to Wembley.
“Ever since I signed for Widnes all those years ago, nobody seemed to give us a chance with anything. That was the same on Sunday, nobody gave us a chance to go and win that game, and it was an unreal feeling to know I’ve played a part in helping us get there.
“I just want to thank the fans here for the reception they’ve given me since I came back. They’re doing unbelievably good things in the stands and we need them to stay behind the team. I also want to thank Kieron, who has been awesome with me and helped me a lot since I came back.”
Ah Van joined Widnes ahead of their return to Super League in 2012, and has scored 518 points in 121 appearances for the club.
He made his second debut against Rochdale last month, scoring two tries, and also featured in the away game at Halifax.
The Samoan had spent the time since he left the Halton Stadium playing for Villeghailhenc-Aragon in the French Elite Two championship, and returned to the UK following the end of the French season.