Widnes Vikings bring in Jordan Johnstone replacement in shape of Wigan Warriors hooker

Championship side Widnes Vikings have signed young hooker Tom Forber on a one-month loan deal fill the void left by Jordan Johnstone.

Forber will link up with the Vikings for the next month after experienced hooker Jordan Johnstone departed Widnes to join Super League side Castleford on a season-long loan earlier this week.

The 20-year-old Forber will train with his Widnes team-mates for the first time on Wednesday night and will come straight into contention to be part of the squad that faces Bradford on Monday night.

Forber made his first team debut for Wigan last season and has also enjoyed time on loan at Wakefield, Whitehaven, Oldham and Newcastle.

Vikings head of operations Chris Hamilton said: “With the departure of Jordan Johnstone, we needed to make sure we had another hooker in and agreed a couple of days ago with Wigan for Tom to be that person.

“He has real quality and will bring a determined and committed attitude with him. I am sure our fans will like what they see from him.”

Tom Forber tipped to succeed in Widnes Vikings loan spell

Wigan coach Matt Peet praised Forber’s attitude for the way he has approached his various loan spells whilst part of the Warriors first team.

Peet said: “Him and Zack Eckersley have been at a few different clubs.

“They are equipping themselves really well, its a challenge for them to play at different clubs and to settle in but I’m delighted with how they are handling it.

“With them two I think any club in the Championship would benefit from either of those so its never difficult to get them a game, they just have to get the postcode right in the sat nav week to week.

“I’m sure they’ll look back on this stage of their career as a really important period when they get the success that they do.”

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