Widnes Vikings have won the race to sign Castleford Tigers forward Matt Cook.
The Vikings have beat stiff competition from several high-end Championship clubs to sign the 33-year-old from 2021.
His experience will bring invaluable strength to Tim Sheens’ squad for next season, with Cook amassing almost 300 Super League appearances since his debut in 2004.
A former Bradford, Hull KR, London and Castleford forward, Cook was being chased by several clubs.
But the Warrington-based powerhouse has opted to join the Vikings for 2021 after being told he wouldn’t be getting a deal with the Tigers.
A well-respected figure within rugby league, Cook is set to be one of several additions made to the Widnes squad next year.
“One of the big reasons for me to sign at Widnes and not any other Championship club is that my Dad is a born and bred Widnes lad,” Cook said.
“He’s chuffed to bits as well. He keeps saying ‘you’re going to be playing for my hometown team’ and he is very excited.
“He was born on either Fairfield Road or Lockett Road, and he is always drumming it into me so he will be very proud when I finally make my debut for Widnes. It will be a great moment for me in my career.”
