WIDNES Vikings have signed talented Leeds Rhinos utility forward Chris Clarkson on a year loan deal for the 2015 First Utility Super League season.

Vikings Head Coach Denis Betts has been looking to bolster his pack ahead of the new campaign as the Club looks to improve on 8th spot in Super League and he quickly identified 24-year-old Clarkson as a young player who he wants to feature prominently for his side next year.

Betts said: “Firstly we are very grateful to Brian McDermott and the Leeds club for loaning us one of their quality players. 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.”

Brian McDermott, Leeds Rhinos Head Coach, said: “This is a great opportunity for Chris to play Super League on a regular basis. He has been an established member of our first team squad for the past four years having come through the Academy and this gives him a chance to kick on to the next level. He has two years remaining on his contract with the Rhinos and I am sure, working with Denis Betts at the Vikings, we will get an even better player for the 2016 season after his year at Widnes.”

Clarkson said he’s pleased to be joining the Vikings at this stage of their evolution.

He said: “I met Denis a few weeks ago and after speaking with him I knew this was the right Club to come to to keep improving. Everything is really positive and I’ve been impressed with the way things have gone for them this year. They have finished the season pretty strongly and it’s a credit to the players and the Club to how hard they have worked. I’m looking forward to going over there as things look good from the outside and it will be great to be involved from the inside next season. I’m keen to get there and get some games under my belt. Brian has been really supportive of the move and I come over to Widnes with Leeds right behind me.”

Clarkson was made his England Knights debut in 2011 and he also featured in the England Knights side who won the Alitalia European Cup with victory over Ireland and Scotland in 2012.

He has made 118 appearances for the Rhinos since signing for the Club from East Leeds amateur club.