Widnes sign Sheffield forward as half-back departs
Sheffield Eagles celebrate winning the 1895 Cup at Wembley in 2019
Widnes have signed Sheffield forward Oliver Davies ahead of the 2022 Championship season, whilst a half-back has left the club.
Back-rower Davies, 25, has signed a one-year deal with the Vikings. He came through the ranks at St Helens before spending two seasons with Swinton.
Davies moved to Sheffield in 2018, making 89 appearances for the club. He helped the Eagles beat Widnes to win the 1895 Cup at Wembley in 2019.
Oliver Davies delighted to sign for Widnes
On his move to Widnes, Davies said: “I’m thrilled to have been given the opportunity to join Widnes Vikings. It is a huge club with a fantastic history.
“Simon (Finnigan) is putting together an exciting squad for 2022. I’m really looking forward to getting back into training and meeting up with my team-mates as well as seeing a lot of familiar faces that I’ve already played with at various points throughout my career.
“It’s going to be a really competitive Championship in 2022 but I’m confident that we will be up there with the best when the play-offs come around.
“I’ve seen first hand at Wembley the passion the Widnes fans have for the club and I’m excited to be part of it.”
Davies’ signature follows on from Widnes’ signing of utility back Brad Holroyd from Workington.
EX-WIDNES: Bob Beswick announces retirement
Widnes half-back Lewis Else heads for League 1
Relegated Championship club Swinton have signed young half-back Lewis Else from Widnes following the expiry of his contract.
The 21-year-old came through the Widnes academy and made his senior debut in 2019. He made 15 appearances for the Vikings this season.
On joining Swinton, Else said: “I’m very happy to get this deal done and to be starting the new 2022 season at Swinton Lions.
“I think the playing style here at the Lions will really suit me, I think it will bring the best out of me as a player. Hopefully that also means I can help the Lions push back up to the Championship. I want to thank the Swinton staff for already making me feel very welcome. I now can’t wait to get going in 2022 and to see what it brings.”
READ MORE: Brian McDermott outlines only objective after becoming Featherstone boss