CONNOR Dwyer will be staying with Widnes Vikings next season.

The second rower, who made three appearances before the 2020 campaign was curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic, has penned a new one-year deal at the DCBL Stadium.

Having come through the St Helens academy system, the 26-year-old had spells with Barrow, Rochdale Hornets and Swinton Lions before stepping away from the professional game in 2016.

His displays for Thatto Heath Crusaders earned him a place on the England Community Lions tour of New Zealand last year before a successful trial saw the Vikings snap him up for 2020.

On signing a new deal with the club, Dwyer commented, “I’m very happy to have signed for another year, it was pretty straightforward once I knew that the offer was there to stay.

"I’m just happy that I can look forward to next season now.

“The biggest factor was obviously being coached by Tim [Sheens, Vikings head coach], those types of opportunities don’t come around every day so that was a key reason.

"Also, just the size of the club and what direction it is going in, I just want to be a part of it.

“I feel like I didn’t get chance to do myself justice this year with only playing a handful of games, then the season ended early, so I hope I can hit the ground running next year and play regularly.

“It’s been too long since we were out there, but we can sort of see some light at the end of the tunnel now.

"It’ll be good to get back into training with the lads and start preparing for the season as soon as it is safe to do so.

“This period hasn’t been much different for me to be honest – I’ve worked straight through lockdown so I still had a good routine.

"I’ve got a fair bit of equipment at home to do circuits in the garden and I’ve been out for runs and bike rides to keep myself fit.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back out there in front of the fans, they’re very loud and proud and definitely help give the boys a boost during games.

"It might take some time to have them back in the stadium but it’ll be a great occasion once they are.”