VIKINGS' versatile back row Chris Dean has signed a new two-year deal which will keep him at the club until the end of the 2020 season.

Dean is an integral part of the Vikings first team squad, and has had two spells with the Club in 2008 and 2010, before signing permanently at the Halton Stadium six years ago.

After joining the Club from Wakefield Trinity when the Vikings returned to Super League in 2012, Chris has gone on to make 143 appearances for the Club, scoring 31 tries in the process.

Chris Dean says: “I have been with the Vikings for six years now, and I have seen first-hand how positively the Club has changed both on and off the field. That made it an easy decision for me to sign a new deal.

“I want to thank James Rule and Denis Betts for giving me the opportunity to extend my time at the Vikings, and continue to build on what we’ve already achieved. I’m now looking forward to the next two years here and will be looking to help take this Club to the next level.

“I had a frustrating time last season with injuries, but I’m looking to put that behind me and getting back to my best in 2018 and beyond. We’ve shown in the last couple of games what we are capable of achieving this season and I’ve really enjoyed being back in action.

“There’s no better way to celebrate my new deal than with a derby game against our local rivals, and I can’t wait to get out there with the lads tomorrow."

Betts said: “Chris is and has been an integral part of our squad since he arrived at the Club. It is a huge boost for everyone at the Club to have Chris at the Vikings for another two years.

"Following his performances this year, it is clear for everyone to see why he was sorely missed by us last year during his injuries. We look forward to working with him this year and for the next two."