Widnes youngsters handed new deals

Widnes have handed a two-year deal to academy hooker Almer Salvilla.

Salvilla, 18, has been with the Vikings for the past five years, working through the scholarship and academy system which was rated as “outstanding” in the RFL’s recent review of Super League academies.

Academy Head Coach Brett Hodgson commented: “There is currently a clear and effective development pathway at the club which has provided a clear structure in which Academy players with first team aspirations can develop.

“The opportunity to add further depth to the Vikings team through engaging home-grown talent is a significant positive for Denis and the coaching team and it bodes well for the Vikings future.”

Salvilla joins forward Brad Walker, fullback Ed Chamberlain and winger Ryan Ince in signing deals until at least the end of 2017, while another academy product, Matt Whitley, was recently rewarded with a three-year deal having broken in to the first team.