State of Mind: Jack Buchanan

New Widnes Vikings signing Jack Buchanan has praised the club for helping him after his move from West Tigers a month ago.

The man from New South Wales, who plays at prop forward, joined the Vikings on a deal that runs until the end of 2017.

When asked about how he has settled in to life with the Vikings, he said: “I’ve actually adapted quite well to be honest.

“I was helped out by Charly Runciman quite a bit, he let me stay with him for the first month which has been a massive help, having a lad I played with back in Australia and to have a friend around while I’m settling in.

“Also the whole team and coaching staff have been really good, really accommodating and looked after me well.

“If I’ve had any issues then they tell me to speak up and they are always asking me if I’m ok so that’s good. So yeah I’m settling in quite well. No complaints.”

This year’s State of Mind round was about change, and there is no bigger change than moving to the other side of the world and Buchanan praised his network of people.

When asked about who helps him through injury and bad form, he said: “You have quite a few people, my girlfriend who I’ve lived with for the past few years so she’s helped me out big time with injuries.

“My parents are obviously a good support network; they’ve been there since day one and they’re always there to help me. Mainly my girlfriend, my parents and a few close friends who are there not just with injuries, but anything you might have going through your head.

“When you’re not in form you just need to get away, so close family, girlfriend, friends, they all do that they get your head away and your mind healthy again. This is obviously a main reason for good performances, usually when you’re feeling good off the pitch you play well on it.”