Widnes confirm Johnson signing

Widnes have signed prop Paul Johnson from Hull on a one-year deal.

Johnson, 25, has made 60 Super League appearances since making his debut for St Helens in 2010, and has also played for Wakefield.

He said: “I’m delighted and this is a really good move for me to go to Widnes, and I really can’t wait to get started, meet all of the lads and get back into the swing of things.

“I’ve heard plenty of good things about the club and they’re making a lot of progress in the Super League. It’s a great opportunity for me to get back to where I know I should be and being a local lad, I’m confident that moving back home will show itself in my performances and this is something that played a massive part in my decision to join.”

Johnson, who was born in St Helens, played his amateur rugby league with Blackbrook, and made two appearances for his hometown club in 2010, before joining Wakefield on a two-year deal.

Vikings coach Denis Betts said: “Paul will add a lot of depth to our squad and create a bit more competition within the group, which is always a good thing. He’s a lad from the St. Helens area and a really talented player who has been involved in the top flight for a good few years now and he will certainly make our pool of players much more solid.

“We believe that he’s picked a good time to join the club and by the same token, we also reckon that it’s a good time for us to have brought him here. Paul is at the age now where he’s keen to kick-on with his career and hopefully, we’ll get to see the best of him in a Widnes shirt.”