Widnes swoop to sign forward from Down Under in late season boost ahead of play-offs

Championship outfit Widnes Vikings have signed Australian forward Max Banditt in a late season boost on a deal until the end of 2027, with an option for a further 12-month extension.

Banditt – who will turn 24 in December – has never played first-grade before, but has 38 Queensland Cup appearances on his CV made between Ipswich Jets and Souths Logan Magpies.

Having been on a train-and-trial deal with NRL side Sydney Roosters ahead of his move to the Magpies in 2025, the front-rower has scored three tries in the Q Cup to date, including two in 17 appearances in the second-grade competition this season.

He joins Widnes with immediate effect, and will be eligible to make his debut for the Vikings this weekend as they travel to Halifax Panthers.

‘There are still some important goals to achieve for the remainder of the season, so I’m excited to get straight into it and play my part’

Widnes currently sit sixth on the Championship ladder having won 15 of their 21 league games so far in 2026.

23-year-old Banditt said: “After playing in the Queensland Cup for the past few years, and spending a period with the Roosters, I’m really excited to have the opportunity to come over to England and represent a club with the history and tradition of Widnes.

“I’m looking forward to getting over there, meeting the boys, and hopefully making a strong contribution to the team. There are still some important goals to achieve for the remainder of the season, so I’m excited to get straight into it and play my part.

“Beyond that, I’m looking forward to building something with the club through 2027 and 2028, and looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”

The Vikings have just three league games left of the regular season, with a home game against Workington Town and a trip to Sheffield Eagles to come after this weekend’s clash against Halifax.

Also in the 1895 Cup final against London Broncos, Allan Coleman’s side will compete in the Championship play-offs, which this year involve the top ten sides in the second tier.

Head coach Coleman added: “It’s fantastic work from the board on bringing an opportunity for Max at our club.

“He’s currently playing Queensland Cup, which is a really good level. He’s a big, powerful, strong boy, young, really hungry for the game and he’s got a fantastic attitude towards it.

“I’m over the moon, it’s at the right time for us to bring some real competition into the squad for the final and the play-offs.”