CHRIS Dean has signed a new two-year deal which will see him remain with the Club until at least the end of 2018.

The 28-year-old said he had no hesitation on extending his long-term relationship with the Vikings.

He said: "I would like to thanks Denis Betts and James Rule for the opportunity to further extend my Vikings career.

"I have been with the Club for nearly five years now and I am proud to have been part of the teams growth on and off the field.

"I am really enjoying playing here at the Vikings and can't wait to see where the next two years take us as I feel it will be someplace special."

Denis Betts, head coach, added: "Retaining a player like Chris is fantastic for the club.

“From day one he has applied himself both on and off the pitch and has always given everything on the field.

"Chris is the type of player that all great clubs are built on. To secure a player of his quality will only add to the strength of the team."

He has racked up 157 Super League appearances, 113 in Widnes Vikings colours and has scored a total of 184 points at professional level.

Dean enjoyed two initial loan periods with the Vikings in 2008 and 2011 before securing a permanent move from his hometown club, St Helens, to Widnes in 2013.

His signature follows hot on the heels of deals for scrum half Joe Mellor and prop Eamon O'Carroll, who also put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension. 

O'Carroll signed for Vikings in 2012 from Hull FC after previously playing at professional level with Wigan Warriors from the age of 18. 

He has represented Ireland in two World Cup games, including against Fiji and notched up a total of 136 career appearances , 61 of which are in black and white. 

O'Carroll is considered an essential part of what the Vikings are aspiring to achieve in 2016.

He said: "It's an honour to sign for a club that has the belief and desire that Widnes does. The decision was easy for me as I love coming to work every day with my best mates.

"We have real aspirations for this year and the upcoming years and I look forward to working hard to achieve those goals."

Betts added: "Eamon is a valuable member of the group and an outstanding front rower.

"O'Carroll being in the team makes us a stronger outfit and to have him sign for another two years is an important acquisition for the club.

"Eamon is a genuine family man, loyal, committed and hard working and has so much more to give to the game after having a tough run with injuries over the years.

"With Eamon fit he is sure to make many more appearances this season and in the future."