WIDNES Vikings half back Joe Mellor has signed a new three-year deal which will see him remain at the Club until at least the end of 2019.

The 25-year-old began his Vikings career on a dual registration contract from Wigan Warriors in 2011 after being promoted to the Wigan senior squad the previous year.

Mellor returned to the Warriors in 2012 and scored two tries in three games before securing a loan agreement back to Widnes for the remainder of the year.

Joe played a key role in the Vikings late season revival in their first year back in the Super League competition which secured him a permanent move to the Vikings in 2013.

Fans favourite Mellor is delighted at the prospect of extending his Vikings career: "I am really excited for what the next three years has in store for me here at Widnes Vikings.

"This group has a real desire to compete at the top of Super League, I think we have demonstrated that so far this season.

"I look forward to working with Denis and the Club as we continue to develop and move forward in the hunt for success both on and off the field."

Vikings Head Coach Denis Betts commented: "It is fantastic news that Joe has committed the next three years to the Club, as a player he is developing year on year.

"Joe has been in sensational form so far this year. For him to commit to continuing his development with the Vikings in pursuit of his realising his own ambitions is an honour for us.

"He is a fantastic bloke and great within the group. He knows the way that we want to play and he has the attitude and energy that will keep enhancing the team.

"Again I would like to emphasise that the team and I are really pleased that Joe has committed his long term future to the Vikings."