Widnes Vikings have snapped up former GB international Shaun Briscoe for their return to Super League.
Widnes swoop for 28-year-old
Widnes Vikings have snapped up former Great Britain international Shaun Briscoe for their return to Super League.
The 28-year-old will join the Vikings at the end of the season on a two-year deal following Hull KR's decision not to offer him a new contract.
Briscoe becomes the club's third major signing for 2012 following the acquisition of former Leeds prop Ben Cross and Crusaders second rower Hep Cahill, while the Super League new boys have also given a two-year deal to back rower Macgraff Leuluai, younger brother of Wigan's New Zealand scrum-half Thomas.
Briscoe, who began his career at Wigan, said: "Being back in Super League means that it's a completely fresh start for the Vikings and I'm excited by the thought of playing my part in their progress over the next couple of years.
"It's a similar situation to when I first joined Hull KR, who were also preparing for their first season in the top flight.
"Over the last four years they have made massive strides forward and there's no reason whatsoever why this can't be replicated at the Vikings.
Experience
"Making the decision wasn't a difficult one at all. I've worked with Denis Betts before when he was my reserve-team coach at Wigan and he was a big influence back then."
Widnes coach Betts is looking forward to linking up with Briscoe after witnessing his Wigan debut in 2002, shortly after calling time on his own career there.
"Shaun will bring a wealth of experience and all-round quality to the Vikings, not only as a player but also as a person," said Betts.
"In a similar vein to another of our recent signings, Ben Cross, he won't just play for the first team and give it his all on the pitch every week, he'll also mentor the younger players coming through our youth structure.
"He's always been a player with a great deal of determination, resilience and an appetite to achieve things in the game and those are the very same attributes that match the ambition of our club."
