WIDNES Vikings have signed Jack Owens on a one-year deal, ahead of the club’s 2019 Betfred Championship season.

Owens worked his way through every pathway of the club’s academy and gained international honours with England Academy. Owens made his debut for his hometown club at the age of 16 against Siddal ARLFC in the Challenge Cup.

The fullback, who can also cover on the wing, made 63 appearances for the Vikings, scoring 27 tries and converting 120 goals between 2011 and 2015.

Owens then made the move to St Helens, before spending last season with Leigh Centurions under the tutelage of new Vikings Head Coach, Kieron Purtill.

Owens said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be back. Coming back to Widnes is ideal for me, all I wanted to do growing up was to play for the club.

“It was always my dream to play for Widnes and I was able to do that. I’ve now got a second chance at it, and I’ve got to prove to the people that brought me back to the club that they were right to do so by earning my spot in the side.

“I’m here to try and prove a point. There are going to be people who might think it isn’t the right move for the club, but I’m going to work as hard as I can and show people what I can offer and why I deserve to be here.

“The Championship isn’t an easy division. In terms of skill, we know that within our squad, we have the ability to be successful. Everyone at the club has to be mentally switched on week in, week out and ready to go. If we do that, hopefully we can get the club back to where it belongs, which is in Super League.”

Phil Finney, Performance Director, added: “It is great news for the club that Jack has re-joined. At 24 years of age, Jack already has a lot of senior games under his belt and has excellent versatility value.

“Jack can play at fullback, wing, centre and also has experience at both half back and hooker. This experience will prove useful and will create competition within the squad, ensuring everyone is striving to be better.

“Jack’s experience playing at this level, as well as Super League, will be really important for us in the season ahead. We are all really excited to see Jack back at Widnes, a place where he started his professional career.”