WIDNES VIKINGS coach Allan Coleman says the retention of prop Dan Murray to at least 2027 and signing of Italy international back Jake Maizen to 2026 is another step towards more squad stability.
Australian-born former Halifax and Whitehaven player Maizen, 28, follows compatriot Morgan McWhirter, a utility forward who has also signed to 2026 from Limoux, into the club.
Coleman said: “It’s brilliant to get Jake on board. We wanted to get him ahead of the start of the season, but couldn’t get it over the line.
“There has been a lot of hard work that has gone on behind the scenes to get this done, and I’m really excited to get such a talented player on board.
“He’s a player I really admire and he’s a talented rugby player who has bags of pace, which is something we’re desperate for.
“As soon as he arrives in the country, he’ll be straight into contention to get into the team, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the impact he can have.”
The contract extension for Murray, who was signed from Halifax in 2024, has triggers for a further year.
The ex-Salford and Hull KR man marked the agreement by making his 200th career appearance, and 42nd for Widnes, in the 28-14 win at Hunslet in round nine of the Championship.
The Vikings’ Wales international secondrow Rhodri Lloyd played his 300th senior game (46 for his current club).
Experienced hooker Jordan Johnstone returned from a back injury for the visit to south Leeds. Now in his second spell with Widnes, he is among an existing group of seven under contract to the end of next season.
And Coleman explained: “I’d say our budget is at the lower end in the division, so we have to think carefully about the balance of the squad and spend wisely.
“We’re trying to get some players on longer deals to provide some solid foundations as we go forward.
“Dan is a quality player and there’s been a lot of interest from other Championship clubs.
“He epitomises everything we’re about, he’s hardworking on the field and also a great person off it.
“He loves playing for the club and he’s very good at what he does so it was a no-brainer for us.”
Murray added: “I’m really happy to extend. I feel at home here, it’s great for my family life, I’m really enjoying my rugby here and I feel valued in this team.
“I don’t do the extravagant stuff, I probably do the things that go unnoticed, but it’s really good to be at a place where that is highlighted a lot.”
