Widnes Vikings sign Rangi Chase on two-year deal

The club also handed 18-year-year Danny Walker a four year contract.

The former England international, who left Castleford mid season, had also been interesting two other Super League clubs but plumped for the Vikings.

Chase said: "The fans have warmed to me. It has been pretty good here and I came at a time when there was injuries, so the opportunity arose for me to play long minutes.

 "I have loved my time with the Vikings, since day one. I've been welcomed here with open arms by the Club, my team mates and the Members.

"My experience here has been overwhelming, so it was an easy decision to sign this permanent deal.

"I'm looking forward to working with Denis and my teammates over the coming years, to help it grow and enjoy success."

"The move here has been good for me and beneficial to the club. It has worked both ways.

"Every player want to win and be successful and I want to help this club grow.

"We have got potential - when we get players fit from injury, Widnes have always been up there.

"Hopefully we can kick on and do something special."

Coach Denis Betts added: "Rangi has been great for the group, spending time and helping out younger players.

"He has been giving tips and working on his game.

 "Both of these deals represent a real statement of intent by the Vikings, with two outstanding talents committing their futures to the Club.
"Rangi has made a big impact since his arrival, contributing well both on and off the field. He has exceptional abilities and, as an international standard half-back, adds real quality to the team.

"We have seen in recent results the benefits of his skill and experience on the field.

"To permanently secure a player of his abilities is a sign of the Club's ambition."

Young hooker Walker, who has only broken into the team this year, produced an outstanding performance in the televised Challenge Cup game against his home town Warrington team.

He is keen to build on his bright start.

Walker said: "It has been crazy how rapid it has all come this year, from making my debut to now signing a four-year deal.

"It is amazing, playing with people like Rangi who has won Man of Steel and played for England. And that is where I want to be. 

"I want to push on here - and play for England in a few years time.

"I have real faith in what we can achieve here.

"If you look at all the people coming through in the first team and how young some of us are, if we all keep our heads down and keep working hard it will be good for the future."