Trio sign new Widnes deals

Correspondent

Widnes trio, Dave Allen, Thomas Coyle and Kurt Haggerty, have all penned new deals with the Vikings, as the Super League new boys prepare for the 2012 season.

25-year-old Allen, made his debut for Widnes in February 2006, however re-signed for the club in 2010 from Barrow Raiders, and has now penned a new two-year deal with the club.

Vikings Head Coach Denis Betts stated “I’ll not hide behind the fact that I think Dave Allen is a sensational player. All he needs now is a full-time environment to build and nurture his already impressive skill-base and we’ve offered him that opportunity.

“As a Widnes-born lad, Dave is a great asset to the club and he’s always aspired to return to the top flight and make an impact and we share his confidence that he can do that, in a Widnes Vikings shirt.”

Thomas Coyle, a product of the Wigan academy, made his professional debut for the Warriors in 2008. However following spells at Halifax and Oldham, the 23-year-old hooker signed for the Vikings ahead of the 2012 campaign. Last season, Coyle managed 20 appearances whilst scoring 8 tries and a drop goal in the process.

Betts acknowledged that he thoroughly deserves his new two-year contract at the club “Week in week out, Thomas has been our best player this season, bar none. He’s another lad who had a taste of Super League when he was younger and admits that it probably all came a little bit too easily for him.

“He’s a far more mature individual these days who realises that it takes a lot of hard work to stay in that type of environment which means that he’s under no illusions and knows exactly what’s expected of him this time around. 

“I’ve no doubt whatsoever that given his appetite and determination to succeed he’ll definitely make the step-up at this time of asking.”

22-year-old Haggerty has signed a one-year deal with the option for a further year. Despite missing nine games of the season with a knee injury, Haggerty has impressed Betts each time he’s played.

“You only have to look at Kurt to realise that there is still so much un-tapped potential in him. He’s already had some great games for us this year and when he’s been given instructions and told to play in a certain way he stands out like a sore thumb, such is his talent.

“Kurt’s skill-base is sensational and what he can do with the ball in his hands is fantastic. Being part of a full-time set-up can only enhance the qualities that he already has in his armour.”