EXPERIENCED halfback Danny Richardson is taking a voyage with Widnes Vikings by joining his hometown club from York Knights.
The 29-year-old former St Helens, Castleford Tigers and Hull KR playmaker has signed for the rest of the Championship campaign.
The switch provides a boost for in-form Widnes, who have won their last five league games running and are through to the final of the 1895 Cup, although Richardson will be unable to feature against London Broncos under RFL rules.
Richardson, who played for England Knights and was a member of the 2018 Super League Dream Team with Saints, where he came through the Academy after a spell in the Widnes system, has managed only three York appearances this season.
That’s after four for Hull KR last year, when he was loaned to both Huddersfield Giants (one match) and the old Salford Red Devils (two) and picked up a season-ending ankle injury in July.
When at Castleford, Richardson missed part of the 2022 campaign due to a neck issue, and a couple of months after returning to action, sustained a knee problem which kept him out for all of 2023.
Widnes transferred former Super League halfback Jordan Abdull to Sheffield Eagles earlier this year, leaving Joe Lyons and Tom Gilmore as coach Allan Coleman’s main options, with Jack Owens also able to fill in.
Leon Hayes has appeared five times on loan from Warrington Wolves, but is now getting a run of games there under Sam Burgess.
Coleman said: “It was vital that we replaced Leon, because I think having a half of Super League quality improved us.
“I identified Danny as a player not playing currently and did some enquiring. We had a conversation and it became known it could be a possibility and the board backed me to get it done.
“He’ll bring a real competitive edge to us and another level of quality. And we need a goalkicker!
“It brings competition for places again and speaking to Danny, he’s desperate to get back playing. He’s with us until the end of the year, which is brilliant for me. He is part of the journey now.
“Being from Widnes, it will mean a lot for Danny and especially for his family with them still living in Widnes. He’s got a lot to gain and not a lot to lose.”