Wednesday 1 October 2014 19:04, UK
Macgraff Leuluai will remain with Widnes for at least the next two seasons after signing a contract extension with the club.
The New Zealander - brother of former Wigan Warrior Thomas and son of ex-Hull player James - has agreed to stick with the Vikings for a further 12 months after a successful season for both the player and the club.
The second rower made 23 appearances this year as Denis Betts' side not only made the Super League playoffs but also reached the semi-finals of the Tetley's Challenge Cup.
Leuluai still had another year to go on the deal he signed last year but will now be a Viking through to the end of 2016.
“Macgraff has developed so much since we brought him on our Super League journey from the Championship. He’s a player who just gets better and better and we think there’s so much more in him," Betts told the team's official website.
“He’s had a very good season for us this year and he’s really benefitting from the culture and environment we’ve created.
"He works extremely hard and wants to improve and I’m excited about what type of player Macgraff can really develop into. I believe he’s a player who’s potential is limitless.”
Leuluai, who was born in Wakefield as his father was playing in this country, joined the Vikings in 2011 from Leigh Centurions and scored his first try for the club against St Helens this season.
“I love the club and I’m enjoying my footy here so it was an easy decision for me to make,” the 24-year-old said.
“We are building something quite special here at Widnes and I’m pleased to be a part of it and contributing to the group. We are continuing to make new ground as a club and I’m happy with the way my performances have gone on the pitch too.
"I want to improve and I’ll continue to work hard with Denis and the coaches to get there. We’ve had a great season but we feel we can only build on that next year.”