Thursday 23 April 2015 12:53, UK
Widnes have handed teenage forward Matt Whitley a full-time three-year contract.
The 19-year-old second-rower made his Super League debut in the Vikings' win over Warrington at Easter and also played in two of their last three matches.
"Matt came into our squad as an unknown teenager. He was willing to back himself and go full-time on an academy contract,” said Widnes coach Denis Betts.
"He worked really hard on his studies to make sure he stayed ahead academically so that he could train full time with the first team and spending time in the full-time environment has benefited Matt immensely.
"He hasn't looked out of place in the side since his impressive debut. Matt's contract is testament to Matt and what he has been able to achieve in a short space of time."
Whitley said: "It has been an unreal experience playing for the first team. To get my debut alone was a massive achievement for me but then to play three games on the run has exceeded my own expectations."
