Whitehaven announce Varkulis signing

Whitehaven have announced the signing of former Widnes Viking player Richard Varkulis on a 1-year deal.

The 29-year-old was one of 13 players released by the Vikings as they looked to prepare for life in Super League after they were granted a licence.

The centre/second rower started his career with Warrington in 2003 and joined Widnes in 2009 where he helped them lift the Northern Rail Cup trophy by scoring a try in the final against Barrow.

Commenting on the deal, Varkulis told local press “It’s a new challenge and the club is obviously going places,”

“The Rugby League needs to look again at a Cumbrian team in Super League. At present Whitehaven are in the strongest position.

“They are getting a new stadium in 2013 and the squad definitely looks good enough to win the league and get promotion.”

Varkulis will link up with former team-mate Lee Doran, who has a dual role as a player and assistant coach at Whitehaven.

“He [Lee] couldn’t speak highly enough of the club and recommended it to me. I know he wouldn’t do that for his own agenda.”

Haven are still awaiting the arrival of their new coach, Australian Don Gailer, although continue to build a side to challenge in Championship One next term.