Rugby League: Ben Karalius - St Helens was easy decision

Jan 16 2008 by Ian Cheveau, Liverpool Daily Post

WIDNES Vikings lost out on what could be the long term answer to their never-ending scrum-half problems after talented Widnesian Ben Karalius signed for rivals St Helens on a three-year deal

Karalius, 16, has spent the last two years on Saints’ Scholarship books, but was chased by a host of Super League sides, including current champions Leeds Rhinos.

Ben said: “I have enjoyed my time at Saints and in the end it was an easy decision for me to make as Saints have been good to me and have looked after me. It’s a really professional environment and one in which I want to be in for a very long time.

“I know the hard work starts now and hopefully I can get my chance.”

Karalius could even be thrust into the limelight in time for Saints under-18s’ clash against London Broncos in April and then a mouthwatering game with Widnes Vikings at Widnes.

Ben, a product of West Bank’s highly successful youth team, has played or his country at under 16 level and was even chased by rugby union’s Sale Sharks, but he claims his heart is firmly in rugby league.

He added: “I spent a bit of time at Sale after playing Lancashire rugby union but I have always preferred rugby league.”

Although a Saints player, Karalius claims he still has an ambition to play for his home town.

He said: “In the future I would still like to play for Widnes. I have watched them for a long time and it’s my home club.”