A centre who progressed through the Warrington Wolves academy has signed with a Championship club ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Deacon Connolly came through the Rochdale Mayfield system before then signing with Warrington Wolves, joining their academy system in November 2021 with current Wire forward Max Wood another of those to progress to Super League from Mayfield at the time.
The 18-year-old has now signed for Championship club Widnes Vikings with the teenager having spent much of pre-season on trial at the club, leading to him securing a one-year deal.
He’s set to jump straight into the action with Connolly named in Widnes’ squad to take on Warrington Wolves in their first pre-season friendly on Friday night.
The Vikings confirmed Connolly’s signing via statement, which read: “Widnes Vikings are pleased to announce the signing of young centre Deacon Connolly, who has agreed a one-year deal with the club ahead of the 2026 season.
“Connolly is a product of Rochdale Mayfield and progressed through the Warrington Wolves academy system.”
Ex-Warrington Wolves academy player named to face Wire in friendly
Speaking on the move, the teenager said: “I’m absolutely delighted to sign for a club with such history.
“Massive thanks to Allan for taking a chance on me and inviting me down to pre-season, and I haven’t looked back. I’ve really started enjoying my rugby again coming here.”
Head coach Allan Coleman hailed Connolly’s ‘real potential’ with the teen then named into the club’s squad to take on Warrington this Friday night, with the Wolves having already confirmed their starting XIII.
Widnes are without five players for the match with Adam Lawton (knee) and Tom Gilmore (hernia) both unavailable after off-season surgeries. Danny Langtree (pec) is close to a return but is left out as a precaution whilst winger Frank Sergent has a lower leg injury.
Morgan McWhirter also misses out after returning down under for the festive period but he’s expected to be back in time for the Championship opener away to London Broncos.
Widnes Vikings squad to face Warrington Wolves
1. Matt Fleming, 2. Mike Butt, 3. Jack Owens, 4. Joe Edge, 5. Ryan Ince, 6. Joe Lyons, 8. Dan Murrary, 9. Jordan Johnstone, 10. Liam Bent, 11. Sam Wilde, 12. Max Roberts, 13. Nick Gregson, 14. Matty Fozzard, 15. Lewis Hall, 20. Jack Bibby, 21. Jay Chapelhow, 22. Jordan Abdull, 23. Nathan Connell, 25. Kieran Taylor, 26. Toby Hughes, 27. Deacon Connolly, 28. Jack Houghton
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✍️ Widnes Vikings are pleased to announce the signing of promising young back, Deacon Connolly, on a one-year deal following a successful trial with the club!
Full details 👉 https://t.co/QF4eH9FFV1#InOurDNA pic.twitter.com/kKmh0Fh1QY
— Widnes Vikings (@WidnesRL) January 7, 2026
