WIDNES Vikings forward Tom Olbison has signed a new deal with the Club until the end of the 2020 season.

The hard working backrower joined Vikings from Bradford Bulls for the 2017 season, and has become a consistent and reliable performer for Denis Betts’ side, making 31 appearances and scoring one try.

Olbison, 26, has played 178 career games since his professional Rugby League debut in 2009.

Olbison said: “I’m delighted to be staying with the club, and I have really enjoyed my time here since I joined.

“When you look at the young lads that are coming through, the senior lads we have, as well as the environment we’ve got, it’s a good place to be. I’m loving my time and my rugby at Widnes, so it was a no brainer for me.”

“I’m looking forward to the next two years and I believe it’s onwards and upwards from here.”

Vikings boss Betts believes keeping Olbison will help the squad moving forward as a group.

He said: “Tom, over the two years he has been with us, has proved to be a fantastic acquisition for the Club.

"At the start of this year, he has shown to us that he is continuing to learn and has proven to be a really coachable player.

“Tom is a player that is a great signing for us, not only because of the ability that he already possesses, but because of the type of forward that he can develop into whilst he is with Widnes Vikings.”