Widnes Vikings sign former Super League Grand Finalist after Championship release

Widnes Vikings have swooped to sign a recently released Championship half-back who has previously played in a Super League Grand Final.

The man in question is Dec Patton with the 29-year-old on the move once again following his recent release from Featherstone Rovers.

Patton was one of seven to depart Post Office Road last week with the Flat Cappers confirming the exits of Charlie Harris, Harry Bowes, Zeus Silk, Keenan Tomlinson, Wellington Albert, Jack Bussey and Dec Patton.

Jack Bussey has already been snapped up by Widnes Vikings and now his former Fev teammate Patton follows him to the DCBL Stadium with Allan Coleman building a side that looks set to compete in 2025.

Widnes Vikings have announced the arrival of former Super League man Patton after having signed the released St Helens man Brett Bailey on Monday.

It goes to show that despite the club scoring poorly on their IMG grading, they still harness serious ambitions and the signature of Patton is certainly a statement of intent.

Widnes Vikings swoop for former Super League Grand Finalist

Since departing Salford at the end of the 2021 season, Patton has played for Bradford Bulls, Swinton Lions and Featherstone Rovers, but at Widnes, he finds a new challenge.

It’s a lot closer to home to where he first started out with Patton breaking onto the scene for Widnes’ local rivals Warrington Wolves, whom he would represent in a Super League Grand Final.

During his time with Wire, Patton would play over 100 games but he now returns to Widnes after playing just two games with the club in 2020.

A statement on the club website confirmed his arrival, explaining: “Widnes Vikings are pleased to reveal our newest addition ahead of the 2025 season, as 29-year-old halfback, Declan Patton arrives at the DCBL Stadium from Featherstone Rovers.”

Speaking on his deal, Patton explained: “I’m excited to be part of what is growing here and I’m happy to have the chance to play my part. I’m hoping to bring some creativity and just hopefully add to the talent that’s already in the team.

“The club did really well last season, so hopefully we can go a step further and have another good season.

“After speaking to Allan and hearing the club’s ambitions on what they want to achieve. The chance to be a part of that is pretty exciting.”

Head Coach Allan Coleman said: “Getting Dec is a huge coup for us. He’s got bags of ability and is one of the best halves in the competition.

“He’s got an extraordinary kicking game which is something I think we need. He brings plenty of experience having played at a high level.

“We were quite lucky last year not to pick up any injuries in the halves, but we need to have quality and strength in depth if we want to challenge at the top end of the table.”