Widnes Vikings have signed Leeds Rhinos utility forward Chris Clarkson on a one-year loan deal for the 2015 First Utility Super League season.
Clarkson has struggled to hold down a regular place in the Leeds side this year – even spending time out on dual-reg with Championship One side Hunslet – but he will join up with the Vikings in time for pre-season later this yea after penning a season-long loan deal for 2015.
Widnes boss Denis Betts admits he was delighted to get the forward on board, saying the experience Clarkson will bring to the club will be massive.
“Firstly we are very grateful to Brian McDermott and the Leeds club for loaning us one of their quality players,” Betts said.
“I’m excited to be working with Chris next season and he’s a player who is going to really enhance our environment. He’s coming from a very good culture at Leeds Rhinos where he’s played with some quality players and for such a young guy he’s got so much experience under his belt and that’s going to transfer to us.
“What we are about is building a side which is full of young talented British players and Chris ticks that box for us but gives us much, much more. He’s played in a Grand Final and Challenge Cup Finals and he’s worked extremely hard at his game to get international recognition with the Knights.
“We will give Chris more game time next year than perhaps he is getting at the moment and him being a part of our squad allows me to rotate our back rowers better. I know Brian thinks highly of him and by being at Widnes the loan move will allow him to continue that development. I’m delighted to have him on board.”
