Widnes Vikings coach Denis Betts admits he is delighted to finally secure the services of Manase Manuokafoa – after finally managing to convince the powerhouse prop to sign up for 2015.
Manuokafoa has signed a two-year deal with the Vikings to remain in Super League, after Bradford Bulls were relegated last weekend. Betts said he tried to sign the Tongan prop when the Bulls were previously in financial difficulties, but he was simply glad to finally get the signature of Manuokafoa over the line, saying he ticks all the boxes that Widnes are looking for.
“We have been looking at him for a while now and I almost signed him a few years ago when the Bulls were in administration the first time around but he was pretty happy to stay where he was.
“We were after something different in a front-rower and he’s a big man, has good footwork, he can hit hard and he ticks all the boxes we were looking for on the playing side of things.
“But first and foremost we are getting a great character, a hard worker, and he wants to improve – and that is only going to enhance our playing staff and squad.”
