Friday 6 June 2014 13:39, UK
Half-back Danny Craven will remain with Widnes Vikings after signing a new three-year deal.
Craven, who has been at the club since he was 17, is a product of the academy system that has produced the core of Denis Betts’ squad.
His decision to stay at Widnes comes just a day after the Vikings booked their place in the Challenge Cup semi-finals with a 56-6 win over Keighley.
“It's good to get the contract sorted and out the way and I can play without any pressure and hopefully put a few good performances in," Craven told the club's official website.
I know everyone at the club and it's one that's going places. We have a great set of lads, good coaching staff, medical team and Widnes as a club have looked after me since I joined.
"I know everyone at the club and it's one that's going places. We have a great set of lads, good coaching staff, medical team and Widnes as a club have looked after me since I joined.
"I know Joey Mellor and Kev Brown are the starting half-backs but I'm biding my time and working hard in training and when Denis calls me, I'm ready to do a job for the team.
"My goal before the start of the season was always to stay at Widnes and keep improving as a player and help the club achieve something in the future.
"We are now 80 minutes away from a Challenge Cup Final and a first Wembley appearance in 18 years, plus we are in the top eight in Super League and it's a great time to be involved in the club."
Widnes have signed or retained 11 players for the next two seasons and boss Betts is delighted to secure the services of more young talent.
“There’s been a number of players out of contract at the end of the year and the retention of quality players within our squad has been a paramount objective for the club,” he said.
“Danny is central to that and we are pleased that he’s committed his future to us and can keep his development with this group.He’s an exciting, talented young kid and there’s so much more to come from Danny."
