ST George Illawarra Dragons centre Charly Runciman will join Widnes Vikings in time for the Super 8s.

Vikings hope at 6 ft 1”and 93kg, the 21-year-old powerhouse with great pedigree and try-scoring form will become a valuable asset.

Runciman is a former NSW Blues U20s State of Origin player and Dragons 'NYC Player of the Year'. He scored a brace earlier this month in the Dragons’ NRL game against Cronulla Sharks.

He said: “I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to play with such a great club.

"I can't wait to get over to the UK to play in front of all the passionate Vikings fans. It will be great to meet all my new teammates aswell. I can’t wait to get started as Vikings player.”

Head coach Denis Betts added: “Charly is a fantastic acquisition for us at this stage in the season. He will give us a really big boost and his arrival will make for some great competition among our outside backs.

"Charly has a proven try-scoring ability and will add some great quality to our edges. He is a strong centre with a fantastic left-foot kick. It will be great to have him over here as part of the Vikings set-up.”

James Rule explained how the deal with Runciman has come to fruition: “This year’s mid-season signing has been facilitated by an investment made by Backhouse Developments who have extended their partnership with Widnes Vikings until the 2016 season.

"Management of the salary cap is regulated by two key areas; the finite level of the cap and the 50% rule whereby clubs can only spend 50% of their total turnover on players.

"In order to allow for an un-budgeted in-season signing such as this, it was necessary for us to boost our turnover.

"The extension of our partnership with Backhouse Developments has allowed us to do just that and we are very grateful for the support of Luke Backhouse.

"We look forward to working with him as we continue to develop our club both on and off the field.”

Life-long Vikings supporter Luke Backhouse said: “I am really proud to support the development of Widnes Vikings and am delighted to have been able to help facilitate the signing of Charly Runciman.

"Charly is a young, exciting player and it sounds as though he is the ideal fit for the Vikings and the plans James and Denis have to keep driving the club forward.

"I am really looking forward to seeing Charly take to the field in a Vikings shirt.”

Runciman will join his Vikings teammates once in possession of his visa.