YOUNG Widnes Vikings props Jay and Ted Chapelhow have renewed their contracts with the club until the end of the 2019 season.

The Runcorn-born pair, 21, are graduates of the Vikings Academy system and have established themselves as members of the Vikings first team in recent seasons.

They have represented the Vikings at each stage of its performance pathway, having been discovered at West Bank Bears.

Jay Chapelhow said: "I'm delighted to have renewed my contract with the Vikings.

"The Club gave us the opportunity to build a career in Rugby League and have been fantastic in supporting our development as players.

"We love it here and are excited for the future ahead.

 "We both feel like we are part of the first team and are excited to establish ourselves further over the coming seasons.

"The Vikings have some brilliant young talent coming through, which is a credit to the Club and its Academy system - we cannot wait to see what we can achieve together in the coming seasons."

Ted Chapelhow said: "As young lads, we used to watch Widnes Vikings and idolised the players here, so we are very proud to wear the Vikings shirt.

"The Club has given us fantastic opportunities to follow our dreams, so it is great to be able to sign a contract that will take us to our seventh year here.

"We're delighted with the opportunities that we have been given by the Vikings. Both Jay and I will be doing everything we can to further establish ourselves in the first team."

Denis Betts, Head Coach of Widnes Vikings, added: "I'm very pleased that Ted and Jay have committed their futures to the Vikings.

"They are both outstanding products of our Academy, who love the Club as local lads. They have great abilities, are excited for the future and are dedicated to getting better.

"To secure the long-term commitment of two of our key young players is a real boost to our plans for the future."