Dudson deal boosts Widnes Vikings
Super League side Widnes Vikings have completed the signing of Wigan Warriors prop Gil Dudson on a two-year deal.
The 24-year-old Wales international made just 24 appearances for the Warriors last season, after joining from from Crusaders back in 2012.
Dudson, who has 14 caps for his country, won the 2013 Challenge Cup and Super League Grand Final after his capture from Crusaders.
However, after being restricted to just 15 appearances last season, Dudson will complete a move to the Vikings, who are available at good odds to better their last campaign on
“We’ve been talking about Gil for a number of months and he’s a player we have had to be a little bit patient with,” said Vikings head coach Denis Betts.
“He is big, he’s strong, he’s got international pedigree, and I think he is young enough to really make a massive mark in the game over the next few years.
“As a club we are ambitious and we think Gil is the right fit to move forward with us as a team.”
The 110kg prop forward will begin training with the club this week, and Betts is delighted to have secured such a talented player in his ranks.
“We don’t pick players up without doing our homework. We spoke at the end of last year about the need for a bit more size in our team. Bringing Manase Manuokafoa in shows we were looking for big men. It’s great that we have been able to get Gil to join us,” said Betts.
“Signing Gil shows our drive and ambition to make this squad stronger with the right kind of people.”
The financial contribution offered by Vikings Quid’s IN Scheme (VIQI) was a key component in making this signing possible.
Having already provided a substantial sum of money to secure Manuokafoa for the 2015 season, the scheme has agreed to support the club for a second time ahead of thier Super League XX campaign.
Jason Shaw from the VIQI scheme talked up the importance of the club’s new signing and their season ahead.
“The 2015 Super League season is probably the most important season since our return to Super League. With the inception of the new league structure it is crucial that we aim to build momentum and improve on last year’s eight place finish,” he said.
A player of Dudson’s quality will undoubtedly bring the quality needed for the Vikings to achieve these ambitious goals, with the player bringing with him a wealth of strength and international experience.
