JACK BIBBY believes Widnes Vikings are in for a better season after returning on a permanent deal.

The 24-year-old forward linked up with the club on loan from Huddersfield Giants in August and played in their final six fixtures as Widnes missed out on the play-offs by one place and four points.

Bibby has signed a two-year contract following his release by Huddersfield – coach Allan Coleman’s fourth signing after Jordan Abdull, Jay Chapelhow and Kieran Taylor – and is hoping to make up for the disappointment.

He said: “I’m excited to sign for the club. It’s got a great future ahead from what I gathered talking to Allan.

“Having the chance to come back to the club permanently is a really good thing after playing on loan last year.

“I got on with all the lads and I really enjoyed my time here, so getting the opportunity to get a full pre-season with the boys will only make the bonds better.

“I have faith that this group can create something great this year. With the new signings and the playing group already here, we’ve only got better from last year.

“I think we will be in that top-six securely and it won’t be coming down to the last couple of games like it did last year.”

Bibby came through the academy of Wigan Warriors and scored a try in his sole first-team appearance there against Hull KR in 2022.

He left for Huddersfield the following season – at the same time as unrelated namesake Jake Bibby made an identical move – but was limited to seven appearances there in three years.

Widnes were the latest of seven different clubs he has been loaned to in his career but Coleman hopes Bibby can call the DCBL Stadium home.

“I think he showed last year how strong a player he can be for us,” said Coleman.

“He’s really similar to Dan Murray in the way he provides us with that go-forward.

“We’ve identified him as a younger profile of player, like with Kieran Taylor, who we can bring in and develop.

“He’s still only 24 years old, so he has a massive future ahead of him and I can’t wait to see him progress.”