WELSH international Gil Dudson has become the latest player to sign a contract extension with Widnes Vikings.

The former Wigan prop, who has made 38 appearances for the Vikings since joining last year, has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal, which will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2018 season.

Dudson is the latest in a long line of players, including Rhys Hanbury, Joe Mellor, Stefan Marsh and Patrick Ah Van, to commit their futures to the club and head coach Denis Betts has expressed his delight with the news.

“Signing Gil to the Club for two years is a strong statement of intent by the Club and something we are very happy to announce,” he said.

“Gil has brought strength and size to the squad and has grown with the team showing potential and huge ambition.

“He is held in high regard by his team mates and peers which shows what a key role he plays.”

Dudson himself was full of praise for Betts and the Vikings coaching staff for developing him as a player.

“I am really pleased to have signed again and want to thank Denis and the coaching team for their support and efforts,” he said.

“Over the last year with the Club I feel I have developed as a player within the team and I am looking forward to building on the exciting things that are starting to happen here.”