Widnes starlet Ryan Ince signs new deal

Widnes winger Ryan Ince has signed a new two-year deal, keeping him at the Vikings until the end of 2020.

The 21-year-old averages a try every two games for the Vikings at first team level, since making his senior debut in 2016 against Hull FC.

A former England Academy international, Ince is a graduate of Widnes’ academy and has been at the club since he was 14. He has made 43 senior competitive appearances, including loan spells at Whitehaven and Hunslet, scoring 17 tries.

And the highly-rated youngster is delighted to extend his stay at the Halton Stadium.

He said: “I’m very happy to have finally signed the contract as this is my hometown club and I know what it means to play for Widnes.

“I’m pleased with how I have been developing as a player here, and I believe that I am getting more confident and improving every time I take to the field.

“This club can get the best out of me and help me to fulfil my potential as a player. I know that I still have things that I have to learn as a player, but I believe that I can only get better with the experience that I am gaining at Widnes and by working with the coaches here.

“I have set my eyes on securing the starting wing spot in the side every week. I am looking forward to what the next two years have to offer.”

A couple of Super League clubs were understood to be interested in Ince, but Vikings coach Denis Betts is delighted that Ince has chosen to remain at his hometown club.

He said: “I’m really pleased that Ryan has chosen to dedicate himself to Widnes Vikings for a further two years.

“To have talented young players like Ryan commit to being part of our environment for the seasons to come is a real vindication of what we are building here.

“Ryan has been in the first team squad for a few years now and has enjoyed some good game time with the first team in the past two seasons. He has proven himself to be a strong and dependable member of the team, who has real potential to achieve special things in the future.

“Ryan is determined to establish himself as a starting winger for the Vikings and to make an even bigger impact for the team. The competition, pride and desire that he brings naturally adds a lot to the squad.”