WIDNES VIKINGS back Nathan Connell says he has “a lot more to give” after signing a two-year contract extension.
The versatile 20-year-old was a close-season capture after playing for Salford, where he came through the old club’s development system and had a loan stint at Whitehaven.
Connell played 26 times across two seasons for the Red Devils and has so far been a regular at Widnes after making his debut in the 76-0 win at Thatto Heath Crusaders in round two of the Challenge Cup in January.
His try-scoring feats helped him earn the club’s player of the month award for March.
“I’m absolutely buzzing to be re-signing for the next two years,” he said.
“The club have got a lot of ambition. I see what they’re doing right now off the pitch and on the field and it’s great to be a part of it.
“In the next few years it can only get better and I don’t want to miss out on that.
“I’ve been made to feel at home from the start, which is always nice, and made the decision easier.
“The season so far has been good and we can definitely kick on. For me personally, it’s been a good start and I know I’ve got a lot more to give. It’s only the beginning.”
Widnes coach Allan Coleman added: “We’re over the moon to have Nathan for another two seasons.
“He’s a player we identified last year as a potential one for the future and he’s proven himself with how he’s approached pre-season and how he’s approached the start of the season.
“We’re really happy with where he’s at and happy to keep him on board.
“It shows the kind of player the club are looking to retain to keep moving forward and push on with the exciting challenge of young players coming through that we’ve not had for a long period.
“He is the first of hopefully many to stay. We’ll see quite a few retentions from the current squad and some players from other clubs who we’re looking to bring in for next season.
“We’re always striving and looking to be stronger and better.”