Friday 1 December 2017 13:23, UK
Widnes have signed Papua New Guinea centre Kato Ottio from Canberra Raiders.
The 23-year-old becomes the second player this week to earn a Super League deal on the back of an impressive showing at the World Cup, following Fiji prop Ben Nakubuwai's move to Salford.
Ottio was an ever-present as PNG won their group before losing to England in the quarter-finals.
Although Ottio featured at centre in the World Cup, he was a prolific try-scorer on the wing for New South Wales Cup team Mount Pritchard Mounties and could fill the void created by the departure of Corey Thompson.
"Kato is a fantastic signing who we are delighted to welcome to Widnes Vikings," said head coach Denis Betts.
"He is a big outside back with World Cup experience. I am excited by the quality that he will add to our edges.
"He is relishing his opportunity to play in the Super League and is looking to make a big impression at Widnes Vikings.
"Kato is a player whose qualities we have seen during the World Cup. I have also spoken to several people in the NRL and connected to Canberra Raiders during my time at the tournament who rate him very highly.
"It is exciting for us to follow the recent signing of Krisnan Inu with another talented outside back who will add competition and quality to the team."
