Widnes bring in Dom Speakman as Leigh confirm Liam Hood return

Widnes have signed hooker Dominic Speakman following the departure of Liam Hood, who has now had his move to Leigh confirmed.

Speakman, 24, was on trial with the Vikings during pre-season and played in the friendly games against Hull KR, Warrington and North Wales.

His previous clubs include St Helens, Barrow and Dewsbury, and he could face the Raiders in the Championship this Sunday.

He said: “I’m made up and it’s a dream come true to sign for the club.

“I was here when I was younger, since then I’ve gone full circle and I’m delighted to be back here.

“I did pre-season with the lads, and played a couple of games, and I’ve seen that it’s a really good set of forwards for me to play on the back of. I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Meanwhile, Leigh have confirmed the return of Hood, who left the Centurions for the Vikings at the end of last season.

The former Leeds and Salford number nine has taken a full-time job opportunity outside of rugby, and will play for Leigh on a part-time basis.

Hood said: “I never wanted to leave Leigh in the first place but situations happened at the end of last year, so I’m absolutely buzzing to be coming back.

“I’ve taken a really good job outside the game so I’m looking forward to different challenges in my life. I’ll be playing rugby part-time and training at nights so it will be a new approach. But it’s the next step of life and it’s something I’m really looking forward to embracing.”

Hood initially joined Leigh from Swinton in March 2016, and went on to score 26 tries in 65 appearances for the club.