Two more commit to Widnes, while full-back returns from Warrington

Widnes have confirmed that academy products Jay Chapelhow and Keanan Brand have committed to the club for next season.

Chapelhow, 23, has made 47 appearances for the Vikings first team, including 20 this season, having been at the club since 2011 with twin brother Ted.

He said: “It was quite an easy decision for me. I just wanted to see where I saw myself playing my best rugby, and what the best club would be to develop as a player, and for me it’s being at Widnes Vikings.

“I’ve supported the Club since I was young, and have been in the system for seven years and I absolutely love it here. It was quite an easy decision for me to re-sign for Widnes and not look at other places. I honestly see this Club doing really good things in the future.

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think the Club were able to get back in Super League. All of our aspirations are to play in Super League, and I wouldn’t have signed if I didn’t think we would have a good group of youngsters, and a good bunch of senior lads, who were going to be here to get us back up.

“It just shows with the people around the club, the staff included, that everyone is straight away thinking of our goal to get back up, because that’s where we want to be. I can guarantee that if we manage to implement the vision that we have, we will be back up there in no time.”

Centre Brand, 19, has signed a two-year deal. He made his debut against Hull KR earlier this year, but suffered a broken leg barely 10 minutes in to the game.

He said: “When I was told that the club wanted to keep me regardless of what happened, I was buzzing and it was a no-brainer. I have been involved with the club for a long time now, and this place feels like home.

“I had interest elsewhere, but in my mind I was never going to leave Widnes. The group we have here is exciting and we can do special things once we all get some experience.

“The bond that the young lads have at the club here is unique, and is something you’ll be hard to find elsewhere, and I want to be a part of it.

“Obviously my debut this year ended in an unfortunate way. For me now, it’s about getting back to my 100% best and pushing on for a starting place next season.”

Meanwhile, Widnes have also confirmed the return of England Youth international full-back Joe Edge.

Edge, who came through the Vikings junior ranks, left the club two years ago to join Warrington, where he has played for their Under 19s academy.