DANNY Craven has guaranteed his future with Widnes Vikings, committing to the club until the end of the 2020 season.

Craven has been with the Vikings since the age of 17, having graduated from the club’s academy into the first team.

The 26-year old is equally able to play in a number of positions, emphasising his versatility and the quality that he brings to the Vikings first team squad.

Craven has 101 appearances to his name in Widnes colours, scoring 35 tries, and amassing over 220 points.

Craven said: “With the club being relegated, there were opportunities that came up elsewhere to take a look at. But I’ve been here for nine years now, and I didn’t want my future to be anywhere else but at Widnes.

“The club has given me an opportunity to fulfil an ambition I had as a kid to play in Super League. The club has stuck by me through the years that I’ve been here, and I believe now is the time for me to do the same.”

“Over the years, I’ve had chances to move elsewhere but I honestly couldn’t see myself playing for anyone else. Widnes has become a huge part of mine and my family’s life, and there are people inside the club that have always been great with me, so now it’s my turn to re-pay that faith.

“We’ve risen up to Super League before from this league, and this is just another bump in the road we need to go through together and I’m confident we can do it with the squad that we’re building for next year.”

Phil Finney, Performance Director at Widnes Vikings, says: “Danny is another product of our academy who has been with us now for nearly ten years. He has played a significant number of senior games with the club, as well as on loan at Featherstone and Halifax in the Championship.

“Danny can play in a number of positions as a result of his excellent understanding of the game along with his skill set. This versatility has probably prevented Danny from fulfilling his potential and commanding one position.”

“We believe Danny has all the attributes needed to become an integral member of the team next year and play a significant role in our plans to return to Super League.”