Ex-Leigh Leopards signing lays out ambition after securing Championship deal

Widnes Vikings’ new overseas signing, Ben Condon, has arrived in the UK this week, and has spoken for the first time about joining the club. He also set out his ambitions for this Championship season, and stated how impressed he is with the facilities at the DCBL Stadium. 

Condon, who turns 25 later this month, has had a strange start to 2025. Initially signing for Super League club Leigh Leopards, he picked up an injury which caused the club to pull out of the signing, with the Leopards signing Alec Tuitavake instead. 

Since then, he has played in the Queensland Cup, appearing 11 times for Central Queensland Capras.  

Now, a move to Widnes Vikings has come to fruition, with the towering back rower being unable to believe how quickly the move came about. 

“It’s a bit surreal,” he said, speaking to the Vikings’ club media. “It didn’t really sink in that I was coming over here until probably yesterday morning when my mum dropped me off at the airport.” 

He added: “I’m very impressed with the facilities here. We walked over to the admin building, and it was cool to see all the old photos on the walls of the club’s history.” 

Championship recruit lays out ambition

Condon knows a few people around the club already, which made his decision to make the move to the northern hemisphere that much easier. 

“I had a good talk with Allan [Coleman] and Stuart [Murphy], who were keen to get me over here. Morgan [McWhirter], I used to live with him and play footy with him up in Townsville and he had nothing but good things to say about the club which made me more excited to get over here.” 

The 24-year-old can play in the back row and in the middle, but he admitted he doesn’t know what specific role he will play yet. 

He said: “I’m not sure whether I’ll be playing back row or in the middle, but I’ll play wherever the team needs me. I’m happy to fill in.” 

He continued: “Personally, I just want to play good football and give back to the fans here, just give them someone to be proud of and hopefully win some games going into the end of the season.” 

Condon could make his Vikings’ debut as early as this weekend, when Widnes take on Oldham, in a match that has seen the location move due to stadium work.