WIDNES Vikings Head Coach Denis Betts has rewarded blockbusting prop-forward Phil Joseph with a contract extension that keeps him at the Club for the 2015 and 2016 Super League seasons.

Joseph, 29, joined the Vikings at the beginning of 2013 after a successful trial period and has become one of Betts’ key forwards.

The Huddersfield born man had six previous clubs before backing himself at Widnes and he says he’s now enjoying his best ever spell in the game under the guidance of Betts but insists there’s still more to come.

He said: “I’m ecstatic to be signing a contract extension at the Vikings. It’s great to get a new deal as it gives me that bit of extra security and now I can concentrate on my Rugby. We are on a very exciting journey here. If you look at where we were a few years ago to now; in the top five of Super League and in the Quarter-Finals of the Challenge Cup, it’s so positive and I’m happy to be a part of it.

“I’m pleased with the way I’m going, I’ve set myself a big goal of representing my country (England) and I’m working hard to try and put myself in the frame for that. I’m a little disappointed that I’ve picked up an injury at the moment but hopefully I’ll be back soon to continue where I left off.

“We have a great culture at Widnes and it’s one which is very different to what I’ve experienced before. We have a fantastic group of lads here, are a very tight bunch and work hard for each other and I think that shows in what we’ve done already this year.”

Denis Betts says Joseph deserves to be at the Select Security Stadium after a solid 2013 and start to the 2014 campaign.

He said: “Phil deserved the reward of an extension. He’s an integral member of the squad. His work rate is really high and he adds value to us in everything he does. Securing Phil’s services at the Club for that little bit longer gives him that extra security and focus to keep working hard at his game at a Club that is developing.

“He fits well into the culture. There’s people here who have helped him get to the level he is at and we think he can go even further, but the credit has to lie with him and how hard he’s worked. He has lots of ability and if Phil is going well in a team that’s going well then he can achieve his goals.”