Widnes hand full-time deal to latest academy product

Widnes have handed academy winger Sam Freeman his first full-time contract with the club on a one-year deal.

Freeman, 19, is yet to make his first team debut for the club, though did feature in last season’s Festive Derby friendly against Warrington.

A local lad, Freeman played for Halton Farnworth Hornets before joining the Vikings’ scholarship system at the age of 14.

He said: “I’m over the moon to finally sign a full time deal with Widnes Vikings.

“This contract is what I’ve been working really hard for over the last few years, and to now finally have it is an amazing feeling.

“I’m very proud to be playing for my local club. Everyone around me, including my dad, is a Widnes fan so to get the chance to play here full-time is something I’m really proud of.

“It’s great to see that a lot of Academy lads have got their chance in the first team. It proves to me and anybody else coming through that if you work hard you will get an opportunity to earn your spot in the side.

“My aim now is to try and break into that side and do the best that I can, and help to push the Club forward into better places than we have been for the last few years.”

Widnes have used no fewer than 16 of their academy products in Super League this season.