Widnes snap up Charlie Gubb

Widnes have signed Canberra front-rower Charlie Gubb for the remainder of the season.

The 28-year-old has played almost 50 games in the NRL for New Zealand Warriors and Canberra Raiders respectively.

An out-and-out front-rower, Gubb will add size to the Vikings pack in their battle to avoid the drop.

On joining Widnes, Gubb said: “It’s been a bit of a surreal 24 hours, but I’m excited by the opportunity that has emerged to join Widnes Vikings.

“I had a few different opportunities to consider, but I was excited by the one presented to me by James Rule and Widnes Vikings.

“I know that the Vikings have some quality players and some very exciting young talent, so I’m looking forward to joining them in the fight to sustain their Super League status.

“I’ve heard great things about the club and its supporters, so it will be a great honour to wear the Vikings shirt and represent the team.”

Vikings interim coach Francis Cummins is glad to have secured the services of Gubb, who was on several radars in England.

He said: “Charlie is a no-nonsense front rower with an appetite for chasing people down.

“He has the power and desire to assert himself on his opponents and, naturally, these are qualities that we want to add to our team.

“His signing, and the recent moves for Harrison Hansen and Liam Finn, have given us options and depth that we’ve lacked all season.

“Charlie brings maturity and experience to the team, and that will help to influence and support our own talented young front-rowers. He will improve the team, in terms of how we perform both on and off the field.”