TEEN loose forward Brad Walker has signed a three-year contract to play for Widnes Vikings until the end of 2018.

Following a great first season at the Club, the 17-year-old has impressed Denis Betts and his coaching team. 

Phil Finney, Head of Youth at the Clubsaid: “Brad is a young player who has demonstrated very early on in his young professional career that he has enormous potential.

"Brad joined us in October 2014 following a two-year scholarship with Cumbria Storm and selection with England Youth and very quickly established himself as a very popular member of the group after his move from Dalton in Barrow.

"His performance at training warranted an opportunity to train with the first team squad and earned him an opportunity to represent the first team in the pre season game against Warrington at only sixteen years of age, a feat achieved before even representing the academy side.

"In addition to his very good technical and tactical attributes Brad has a great personality and sense of humour that we believe has helped him to transition firstly into our club and secondly into the first team squad really well.

"Brad has already been included in the England Academy side in his first year at Academy level; an achievement that only a few players attain which is again a strong indication of the potential Brad has displayed with his early performances at the club.

"For Brad to be offered and re-sign an extended and improved contract with the Club is a clear indication that we believe Brad is a player who could play a significant role at Widnes Vikings for a long time to come alongside the rest of the former Academy players who are now establishing themselves as first team members.

"It is also great that Brad and his family initially chose to join Widnes ahead of a number of other clubs and has decided that his immediate future and development will be best served by us.”

Brad, who is enrolled in full time education through the Vikings Academy, added: “When I got offered the contract I was over the moon.

"I have had such a great start to my career at the Club and can't wait to improve even more and progress further.

"I really hope to make my Super League debut next season. It would be fantastic to play a few games in the first team next year and to make a name for myself in my opening few games.

"When I had a spell in the first team and played in the derby against Warrington, I learnt a lot.

"It was great to have the chance to be coached by Denis, Mick and Brett. Playing and training alongside some of the best players in Super League and even some of the best players in the world I have learnt so much.

"I have developed a great deal since I came to the Vikings and I am excited about my future and the opportunity to improve in the great set up at the Club.”

As the Club seeks to continually develop the Academy structure, the Vikings recognise the need to attract and engage young players from the region but also further afield.

To facilitate Brad’s involvement with the Vikings the Club secured a property for Academy players to live in.

Three players share the house and are mentored by Vikings Community Coordinator Kurtis Marsh.