Apparently Sam Wilde has signed from NW Crusaders, which would be the former player referred to on this board. Others may disagree but so far I think the signings have good and significantly better than last year. Welcome back Sam.
@halfback-ragnarsson Jake Bibby signing for Oldham we keep getting told there's no players but that's 2 good centres with him and Kieran gill we've missed
Vikingfox71. Yes, two good players there, and Oldham will be strong again this year, no doubt.
My understanding was that some targeted players wanted more than the club were prepared to spend, rather than there being no players available.
Personally I didn't think we looked ready for last season, for whatever reasons, and I understand that the injury situation exasperated that. However, so far I think we are looking better. More needed though.
Cheers,
What the club are prepared to spend and what they can afford to spend don't necessarily match!!
How many ST's will be bought? How many are 'going to buy', but haven't yet?
Do we know if we are to get a share of the SL deal yet, and if so how much?
All part of the same puzzle!!!
I would add that we don't know who our home games are against yet.
We already have 4 centres, Edge, Owens, Flemming and the new signing from North Wales. 1 winger 1 Second row and then a prop/2nd row to complete the squad of 26 for me.
4 contract offers on the table, one was Wilde so 3 to go. One may have been Gee who has decided to retire. Others mentioned are Sergent from Warrington reserves on the wing and Akuoala from Featherstone at prop.
Wilde is a good signing & replaces Lloyd who was a similar standard of player.
I see Tai the Wire centre has been released. Would he do a job for us if we can afford him & wants to come here. We had him on loan last season briefly but did not play him. Surely he is better than what we have?
Personally would prefer another prop.
Wasn't his attitude a bit suspect?
Warrington also released Tom Whitehead, Lucas Green and Zac Bardsley-Rowe. I know that Bradford, York and Toulouse will be working hard to build up their squads and these could well be targets for them. I would be happy if any of these three were to join. They may, of course, be on the way elsewhere and I missed it.
IIRC they would still be hoping for SL options. As a player, and would be SL, there must be a time when you have to decide that SL clubs don't see you as worthy and opt for PT and get a job.
JJ's sad experience at Hull FC was like that.
Widnes Vikings are pleased to reveal our sixth new addition ahead of the 2026 season, as talented back Nathan Connell arrives at the DCBL Stadium from Salford Red Devils.
Connell, 22, joins the Vikings on a one-year deal, having made 23 appearances for the Red Devils last season, crossing for two tries.
The young back operated primarily as a winger in 2025 but can also play fullback. He also gained Championship experience on loan in 2024 with Whitehaven.
On signing for the club, Connell said: “I’m buzzing to be here. It’s great to have got the deal over the line, and I’m excited for a fresh start at the Vikings.
“I’m hoping to bring plenty of skill to the squad this year. I might not be the biggest, but I’ll always give 100% for the team, coaching staff, and fans.
“I ended up playing a lot more than I thought I would at Salford last year. It’s obviously a big step up playing in Super League. I know the Championship is a very physical competition, so having that Super League experience will definitely help me kick on this year.”
Connell enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2025 for Salford, earning the club’s Player of the Month Award for May.
Head Coach Allan Coleman commented: “For anyone who watched Nathan at Salford last season, they’ll have seen how talented he is.
“He’s so composed for such a young player. He can play Wing and Fullback, so he gives us that versatility. I’m really excited to get hold of Nathan because he’s one for the future, he’s got bags of ability, and is really quick.”
Welcome to the Vikings, Nathan. We can’t wait to cheer you and the rest of the team on next year!
Signings like this are assisted by the fantastic Widnes VIPS scheme in place to assist in strengthening the Vikings’ squad. If fans wish to sign up for the scheme, they can do so here.
Connell is available to sponsor for the 2026 season! Contact @widnesvikings.co.uk">commercial@widnesvikings.co.uk to enquire.
From the highlights he looks to have a good side step & swerve. Not the biggest but looks to be an elusive runner. Can cover full back & wing. Welcome aboard Nathan!
@halfback-ragnarsson I wouldn't sign Green or Whitehead based on seeing them on load for us. Would be interested in Bardsley-Rowe but we are well covered in his position although we need be bring the average age of the squad down.
@dan1 happy with the connell signing to cover wing/fullback?
That Connell looks to be a good signing, young winger/fullback won’t break the bank and could be a starting winger for us