Widnes sign Clarkson on loan from Leeds
Widnes have announced the signing of Chris Clarkson on a season-long loan deal from Leeds for the 2015 season.
Vikings coach Denis Betts is delighted to have added the 24-year-old forward to his ranks.
“Firstly we are very grateful to Brian McDermott and the Leeds club for loaning us one of their quality players,” said Betts.
“I’m excited to be working with Chris next season and he’s a player who is going to really enhance our environment.
“He’s coming from a very good culture at Leeds Rhinos where he’s played with some quality players and for such a young guy he’s got so much experience under his belt and that’s going to transfer to us.
“What we are about is building a side which is full of young talented British players and Chris ticks that box for us but gives us much, much more.
“He’s played in a Grand Final and Challenge Cup Finals and he’s worked extremely hard at his game to get international recognition with the Knights.
“We will give Chris more game time next year than perhaps he is getting at the moment and him being a part of our squad allows me to rotate our back rowers better.
“I know Brian thinks highly of him and by being at Widnes the loan move will allow him to continue that development. I’m delighted to have him on board.”
Clarkson, an England Knights international, is looking forward to linking up with the Chemics.
“I met Denis a few weeks ago and after speaking with him I knew this was the right club to come to to keep improving,” he said.
“Everything is really positive and I’ve been impressed with the way things have gone for them this year. They have finished the season pretty strongly and it’s a credit to the players and the club to how hard they have worked.
“I’m looking forward to going over there as things look good from the outside and it will be great to be involved from the inside next season.
“I’m keen to get there and get some games under my belt. Brian has been really supportive of the move and I come over to Widnes with Leeds right behind me.”