Widnes sign PNG prop Stanton Albert

Widnes have signed Papua New Guinea international prop Stanton Albert, brother of another of their new signings Wellington.

Stanton, 23, joins on a two-year deal from PNG Hunters pending visa approval. He made three appearances for the Kumuls at the recent World Cup.

Vikings coach Denis Betts said: “Stanton is a player that we have had real interest in, even before my time at the World Cup. He came highly recommended to us by some of our key contacts in Australia, and I was very impressed in what I saw in his international appearances for PNG at the tournament.

“Stanton joins the Vikings with a great pedigree and a desire to build his career. He will create real competition for places, because he is desperate to play and wants to make the most out of this opportunity.

“His move also makes a lot of sense, given the tragic news of Kato’s passing. We believe that Wellington and Stanton will get the best out of each other, and settle well in the local community together.

“Of course, Widnes Vikings have a famous heritage of brothers and relatives representing the Club, and we are excited that the pair have the opportunity to forge their own chapter in that history.