A former Salford Red Devils and Hull KR forward has been released from his Championship club and signed by another in a cross-competition switch.
Widnes Vikings announced the news that they were releasing forward Ryan Lannon from his contract with immediate effect and now one side has swooped in to sign the former Salford Red Devils academy man.
Lannon came through with the Red Devils, even captaining their academy before making his debut in 2015 and going on to make over 50 appearances in his first spell.
He’d join Hull KR in 2019 but was quickly loaned back to and then signed by his boyhood club, eventually leaving in 2023 to join Halifax Panthers, from whom he joined Widnes.
Lannon signed for Widnes midway through the 2024 season and totalled 17 appearances, however, the club confirmed his release after revealing that the 29-year-old was “unable to meet the expectations outlined in the terms of his contract”.
Former Hull KR and Salford man Ryan Lannon secures move after Widnes release
The forward had played eight games for the Vikings in 2025 with the last coming on April 6th when they crashed out of the 1895 Cup to York.
Shortly after Widnes’ statement, Championship high flyers Oldham confirmed that they had signed Lannon until the end of the season.
Oldham recently played and drew with Widnes before losing heavily to Bradford Bulls as Sean Long’s side struggle with injuries so Lannon’s arrival is a welcome boost.
The former Salford and Hull KR man said: “I’m really excited and also very grateful to Longy for taking me on at this ambitious club.
“They have built a very competitive team here and I just want to be part of it. I see myself as a good ball carrier and will work hard for my team-mates so I think I will fit right in with a good bunch of lads who like to work hard for each other.
“I have played quite a lot of Super League and in finals so hopefully we will be involved in the big games here at the end of the season.”
Long added: “I am delighted to have Ryan at the club and he brings experience and aggression to our side.
“He will be a good addition to the squad with us having quite a few injuries at the moment and we are pleased to get the deal done.”
As for Widnes, they have confirmed the signing of Australian forward Morgan McWhirter from French side Limoux Grizzlies with the 23-year-old joining on a deal until the end of the 2026 season.
McWhirter will join the Championship side once Limoux are either eliminated from the Elite One play-offs or after the final should they make it there.
📣 Widnes Vikings can confirm that forward Ryan Lannon has been released from his contract with immediate effect.#VikingsForevermore https://t.co/TDVtN63qjB
— Widnes Vikings (@WidnesRL) April 29, 2025
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