Widnes snap up ex-St Helens centre

Widnes have signed former St Helens centre Jake Spedding from Featherstone.

The 22-year-old joins the Vikings on a one-year deal from 2020, after failing to make an appearance for Rovers after signing from Barrow in August.

After coming through Saints’ academy, Spedding made his senior debut in 2016 and went on to make a further three appearances for the club.

He had spells on dual-registration with Sheffield, scoring nine tries in 27 games over two years, before joining the Raiders at the start of 2019.

He becomes the fifth member of Kieron Purtill’s squad for next year, joining Jack Owens, Danny Craven, Joe Lyons and Shane Grady in committing their futures to the club.

“I’m delighted it’s all signed and sorted, I can’t wait to get started,” he said. “Kieron spoke to me a couple of times and was keen for me to come and join this club, which speaks volumes to me.

“I’ve been at a few clubs now in the Championship, and I’m starting to get a feel of what is needed to be successful in this division. Hopefully I can bring some of that to the squad for next season.

“This club is massive and speaks for itself, and I’d love nothing more than to help get it back up to where it belongs.

“I want to let the fans know that I’ll give 100% every time I wear the shirt, and hopefully I can reward them with plenty of tries and some fast, attacking rugby.”