Thursday 9 October 2014 10:46, UK
Widnes Vikings have signed prop forward Alex Gerrard to a new three-year contract.
The 22-year-old, a product of the Vikings’ successful youth system, has developed into a regular first-teamer in head coach Denis Betts’ squad at the Select Security Stadium.
He’s young, talented and British and he very much fits the philosophy of the Vikings. We want to develop talent like Alex and he deserves his extension.
Former Wigan man Betts believes Gerrard has the potential to continue developing and become one of the best front-rowres in Super League.
“Alex has developed into one of the top young Super League props in the competition,” Betts told the club’s official website.
“He’s a prop who regularly is in the top five of every piece of data analysis that’s measured. We believe Alex has the potential to go really far in the game and we are pleased to have secured his services for at least another three years.
“He’s young, talented and British and he very much fits the philosophy of the Vikings. We want to develop talent like Alex and he deserves his extension.”
Gerrard, who believes he is ‘playing the best Rugby of his career’, has no desire to go anywhere else.
“I’m happy at Widnes and I’ve not even looked once at leaving the club,” commented Gerrard. “I want to be a part of what’s being created here and therefore there’s no other club I’d rather be.
“I feel I’m improving as a player but realise I’m not the finished article yet and I’m looking forward to getting there under Denis Betts and the rest of the coaches at Widnes.
“I’ve been pleased with my season and what I’ve contributed but I feel I can get bigger and stronger and become a better player here. I can’t wait for pre-season now and getting ready to go again in 2015.”
