WIDNES Vikings have handed Chris Dean a new three year contract after an impressive First Utility Super League 2014 season.

Dean, 26, had another year left to run on his existing deal at the Club but after 24 Super League appearances and eight tries to cap off his best ever Widnes season, Vikings Head Coach Denis Betts has moved quickly to tie the former St Helens and Wakefield man up to the Club for the next three years.

Betts said: “Chris is an outstanding individual and is a great bloke to have around the place. Clubs are built on people like Chris Dean - he’s a great clubman. He’s still only young and we feel we are only just scratching the surface with him. He’s as quick and as strong as anybody at the Club and we are only just starting to see his consistency. We’ve given him this new deal as a reward as we feel he deserves to be part of this process and journey for longer. The three years he’s been at the Club he’s showed us what a fantastic professional he is and we are really pleased to get this deal tied up.”

Chris Dean says signing the new deal was an easy decision for him, especially after his partner gave birth to a baby girl a few weeks ago.

He said: “The length of this deal gives me security for my family as my partner and I have recently had a daughter and I am grateful to the Club for this.

“When Denis and James Rule approached me about staying at the club for the next 3 years it was a no brainer really. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 3 years here and am exciting about being a part of the progression going forward as I feel we are building something special here.

“We have come a long way since our first season and are looking to build on our achievements from 2014. I can't wait to get going in 2015 and give our fans more to cheer about as they have been fantastic and stood by us since our return to Super League.”