WIDNES have signed West Tigers prop Jack Buchanan on an 18-month contract, subject to him gaining a visa.

The 24-year-old joins Denis Betts’ side having made 41 NRL appearances for Wests since joining them in 2013 and has signed a deal tying him to the Select Security Stadium until the end of next season.

Buchanan has expressed his excitement about working with the Vikings players and cited one in particular as influential in his decision to sign.

“This is a great opportunity to come up for me half way through the year and I am really looking forward to coming over,” he said.

“I have been watching the team when I can, they don't air all games over here but they look like an exciting bunch of players that I can't wait to get over and work with.

“Charly Runciman is a big part of why I am coming to the Vikings, I played with him for two years when I was younger and speaking to him has made me really excited to get over.”

Betts also conveyed his excitement in seeing Buchanan in action.

“Again this is a big statement from us as a club, Jack is an enthusiastic player that wants to come here and progress his career making himself into a better player,” he said.

“Jack is a young, big front-rower with a great engine. He has significant NRL experience and is ready to make his mark, looking to establish himself as a starting front rower and wants to do that here at Widnes.”