Widnes Vikings secure new deal for former St Helens, Sheffield Eagles and Batley Bulldogs hooker Matty Fozard

Welsh hooker Matty Fozard has signed a new one-year contract with Widnes Vikings,  extending his stay at the DCBL Stadium until the end of 2023.

Fozard, 27, joined his hometown club ahead of the 2022 campaign from fellow Championship side Sheffield Eagles.

In total, he made 27 appearances for the Vikings last season.

A former St Helens Academy graduate, Fozard has also enjoyed spells with Rochdale Hornets, Batley Bulldogs and London Broncos during his career.

However, the focus is purely on the World Cup for the Widnes Nine at the moment, as he looks to help Wales, under the guidance of former Bradford Manager John Kear, as they aim for their first win at the World Cup since 2000.

On signing the new deal, Fozard said: “I’m very excited. It’s my hometown club, a team I’ve always wanted to play for, and to be able to play for them last season was a dream come true.

“I’m raring to work with John Kear, have a full pre-season, enjoy another year being a Widnes player and represent the town that I grew up supporting and loving.”

“Jordan is a fantastic player,” he said. “He’s got heaps of Super League appearances, so if anything it’s going to make me play better to retain my spot.

“It also gives him that bit of competition to be able to get himself into the team as well, so it’s only going to be good for both of us, and the team as a whole.”