WIDNES Vikings prop forward Wellington Albert has signed a contract extension with the club, putting pen-to-paper on a deal until the end of 2020.

Albert, who made 12 appearances in his debut season with the club, has extended his stay by an extra year.

The Papua New Guinea international, who also carries experience Down Under - having earned a contract with NRL side Penrith Panthers, is a hard-running forward with an eye-catching ability to offload in the tackle. Albert also has two World Cup competitions under his belt, in the 2013 and 2017 tournaments, scoring a superb try against New Zealand at Headingley Stadium.

Albert has become a popular figure on the terraces at the Halton Stadium since his arrival at the start of the current season, and is looking to cement a permanent space in the Vikings pack in 2019.

Albert said: “I’m very excited about signing the contract and securing my future here. Despite our disappointing season, I want to commit myself to Widnes.

“Moving over to England at the start of the season was really tough for me as a person. However, I’ve managed to overcome these challenges and want to stay at the club, as I’m very happy here, for a long time.

“I’m really looking forward to next year already. Hopefully I can have a good pre-season with the boys and come back bigger and better.

“I love Widnes, especially when I run out and the crowd are singing my name, it makes me feel like a superstar. No matter what, they always get behind me and I can’t wait to play in front of them again next year.”

Hep Cahill, Club Captain of Widnes Vikings, said: “Wellington has had to adapt to moving to a new country and a different style of playing in the UK game, so it has taken him a while to settle in. With a full pre-season behind him though, I am sure that Wellington can have a really exciting 2019 and fulfil his potential.

“He is destructive in attack and has a great offload, and I’m sure will only get better. He is a big personality and a very talented player, and I am really pleased that he has committed to the team”

James Rule, CEO at Widnes Vikings, said: “When I sit and talk with Wellington, the passion and commitment he feels for our club is truly inspiring.

“Following his return to the club from his international duties, Wellington will benefit from a full pre-season, which he unfortunately missed this year. I am really excited to see the impact that this full pre-season will make, when he takes the field for the Vikings in 2019.”