Widnes appoint Tim Sheens in shock move

Widnes Vikings have announced that Tim Sheens will come on board with the club from 2020.

Although the full extent of his role has yet to be revealed, it is expected the 68-year-old will replace Kieron Purtill as head coach.

Sheens was sacked by Hull KR in June and was expected to return to a coaching job in Australia.

But it appears the former Kangaroos boss has unfinished business in England and will be tasked with taking the Vikings back to Super League after a period of financial uncertainty.

His appointment comes as a shock to many after a poor end to his time in East Hull, but his name is still held in high regard in the world of rugby league.

Sheens has coached a record number of NRL games and was in charge of the Australia team that won the 2013 Rugby League World Cup on English soil.

His appointment is a statement of intent from Widnes who finished the 2019 Championship season in 11th place after a 12-point deduction for entering administration in February.