BRAD Walker has become the latest first team player to commit his immediate future to the Vikings ahead of the 2019 campaign.

Walker, who is a product of the Vikings’ academy system, has been with the club since the age of 16 after moving down from Cumbria. Walker has guaranteed his future with the Vikings until the end of the 2021 season.

The former England Academy captain has made nine senior appearances for the Vikings since his debut in 2016, scoring one try, on the back of an impressive run within the club’s youth system.

Walker primarily plays as a ball-playing loose forward but has also played at halfback and second row at youth, domestic and international level.

Walker said: "I’m happy to have committed my future to Widnes.

“I’ve been at the club for a while now and I’ve loved my time here. We have some talented young lads coming through and I want to be involved with the rebuild at Widnes.

“The club has had a tough couple of years, but I want to be part of the squad that gets us back into Super League and I believe we can do that in 2019.

“My aim now is get into that team on a regular basis and give my all for the club whenever I take to the field.”

Phil Finney, Performance Director at Widnes Vikings, said: "Brad Walker re-signing is another positive for the club moving forward. Brad has progressed through the academy to become a member of the senior squad over the past couple of years.

“Brad has a very good skill set and this has enabled him to play in a number of positions at senior level already. Brad will be looking to secure a regular spot in the first team and we are confident that with the right level of application, he will achieve this.”