SCOTLAND international Liam Hood has signed for Widnes Vikings from Leigh Centurions for the 2019 season.

The 26-year-old arrives at the Halton Stadium as fellow hooker Danny Walker exits to Warrington Wolves.

Hood joins having played more than 130 career games for Leeds Rhinos, Salford Red Devils, Swinton Lions and Leigh Centurions.

The tough defender has made seven international appearances for Scotland, including featuring at the 2016 Four Nations.

Hood has been in fine form for the Centurions in 2018, scoring 17 tries in 26 appearances.

“I’m really happy to get it sorted,” said Hood.

“I had a few options but Widnes was the one that stuck out to me. It’s a great club and I want to help push this club back to where it should be in Super League.

“I spoke to James Rule and he told me the vision he had moving forward and his desire to rebuild this club.

"The club wants to breed the young lads into the team and mix them with the more experienced players and push to finish in that top spot.

“I’m hoping I can add to that and bring something from hooker to this team, and show the Widnes fans what I’m about on a weekly basis.”

Phil Finney, performance director at Widnes Vikings, says: "Recruiting someone of Liam’s quality is great news for the club.

"Liam has gained experience at Championship, Super League and international level, which will serve us well as we look to return to Super League at the first attempt.

"He is an aggressive and combative player, who is very good defensively as well as being a proven try scorer from hooker.

"Liam will add experience to the squad and is someone I’m sure the fans will enjoy watching next season."