Vikings strengthen with deals for star loanees

Jul 8 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

WIDNES Vikings’ play-off hopes were given a huge boost after the club extended the contracts for four of its loan players and have also signed French International Adel Fellous until the end of the season with a view to signing him for Super League.

The Vikings lie third from bottom of the Co-operative National League One but a win against Batley Bulldogs on Friday could see them in contention for the play-offs.

Jason Crookes, who next week flies to Australia with the England Academy side, was due to return to Bradford at the start of the month but will now see the season out at the Stobart Stadium, Halton on his return.

Meanwhile the St Helens trio of Chris Dean, Matty Smith and Steve Tyrer, who have made a massive difference to the Vikings performances in recent weeks, have extended their contracts to the end of the regular season with an option to extend their deal depending upon the Vikings’ progress in the play-offs.

Terry O’Connor, Vikings sporting director, said: “Adel Fellous is in exceptional form and we really missed him in the Celtic game with his robust running and devastating defence. His return will give us the boost we need prior to Friday’s game against Batley and will help us in our quest for the play-offs.

“Jason is set to be a future international as his selection for the English Academy side has shown.

“Matty Smith and Steve Tyrer are proven Super League players and have brought quality to the side which was evident in our victory over Salford City Reds, whilst Chris Dean is a name that no-one knew prior to his debut against Halifax but his two-try, man of the match, debut and his versatility to switch between the three-quarters and the back-row makes him equally as valuable to the side.”