Prop Dudson leaves Wigan for Widnes

Widnes have signed Wigan prop Gil Dudson on a two-year deal.

Dudson, 24, had been handed a squad number at the Warriors for 2015, but moves on having spent three years at the DW Stadium.

He won the Challenge Cup and Super League in 2013, and made 15 appearances last season.

Widnes coach Denis Betts said: “The signing of Gil Dudson shows a real ambition about what we are trying to do at the Vikings. We don’’t pick up players without doing our homework.  We’’ve been talking about Gil for a number of months and he’’s a player we have had to be a little bit patient with.

“We spoke at the end of last year about the need for a bit more size in our team. Bringing Manase Manuokafoa in showed we were looking for big men.

“It’’s great that we have been able to get Gil to join us. Signing Gil shows our drive and ambition to make this squad stronger with the right kind of people.”

Dudson is Widnes’ fourth new recruit for 2015, following Manuokafoa, Aaron Heremaia and Chris Clarkson (loan) to the Select Security Stadium.