Widnes Vikings have completed the signing of Wests Tigers forward Jack Buchanan on a deal until the end of the 2017 season, subject to a visa.
As first revealed in League Express, the Vikings were close to completing the signing last week, but the club has now sealed the deal for the 24-year-old, who will join the club with immediate effect.
Australian-born Jack played for the Dragons’ national youth competition team in 2011 and 2012, scoring 3 tries in 46 games. In 2012, he was one of the competition’s top ten players for hit-ups, metres gained, and tackles made. At the end of the season, he signed a three-year contract with the Wests Tigers.
Buchanan said: “This is a great opportunity to come up for me half way through the year and I am really looking forward to coming over.
“I have been watching the team when I can, they don’t air all games over here but they look like an exciting bunch of players that I can’t wait to get over and work with.
“Charly Runciman is a big part of why I am coming to the Vikings. I played with him for two years when I was younger and speaking to him has made me really excited to get over.”
Head coach Denis Betts added: “Jack is a young big front rower with a great engine. He has significant NRL experience and is ready to make his mark, looking to establish himself as a starting front-rower and wants to do that here at Widnes.
“Again this is a big statement from us as a club. Jack is an enthusiastic player that wants to come here and progress his career making himself into a better player.
“He is a great signing for us.”
