Widnes sign Chris Houston from Newcastle

Widnes Vikings have revealed that they have signed Chris Houston from NRL side Newcastle Knights.

The 30-year-old forward opted for the Vikings over several other Super League and NRL sides, the club has confirmed.

Houston’s contract does remain  subject to securing RFL governing body approval and obtaining a VISA. He has inked a two-year deal at Widnes.

“I’ve loved my time in the NRL but I wanted a new challenge,” said Houston.

“I’ve been speaking to James (Rule) and Denis (Betts) for the past few weeks and last week I came over to the UK to meet all the people involved with the club.

“I wanted to come and meet Denis and the boys and get a feel for the Club before I committed my future to the Vikings. In the end it wasn’t a hard decision to sign here after learning about the Club’s culture and values and seeing the fantastic facilities at the club.

“I’m coming here to do a job. Super League is always something I have wanted to experience.

“It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to. There have been quite a few coaches at the Knights in recent years, so it’s been a bit of a transition each year. I’m really looking forward to coming over here and refreshing my game.

“That’s one good thing about playing under Denis, being an ex-back rower there is plenty to learn off from him. It’ll be hard and it’ll be challenging, but I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’ve built my game around work rate and in my first six or so years of first grade as a back-rower I played 80 minutes in the majority of the games.

“I like running lines off the half backs and I’m looking forward to playing with the half-backs here, they both look like quality players.

“This is a secure club with great facilities and a great future and I am glad to be part of the squad for the next few years. I am looking forward to moving my family over and getting stuck into the season ahead.

“I’ll be doing everything I can to help us make the top eight.”

Widnes coach Denis Betts is delighted to have added a player of such quality to his squad.