Story in brief:
New deal for Dec!
The Vikings are today delighted to announce that they have retained the future services of another existing squad member, following the capture of Declan Hulme on an extended contract until the end of the 2014 Super League season.
St Helens-born Declan is currently pursuing his career in rugby league while also studying Sport and Exercise Science at Edge Hill University, having previously attended Sutton High School and Riverside College.
Following a junior career with Burtonwood Bulldogs and Bold Miners he joined Widnes at the age of seventeen, where his strong play in attack and defence earned him a call up to the England U18 squad in 2012.
Putting pen to paper on a new deal at the Vikings was an easy decision for the 20 year-old, as he admits:
"With my full-time University commitments and not actually being in the environment as much as I'd like to be, I wasn't expecting it if I'm honest, which makes it all the more pleasing.
"I'm thrilled to have been offered the opportunity and hopefully I can repay the faith that has been shown in me, by continuing my progression through the remainder of this season and into the next one.
"To say that I am learning something new is a bit of an understatement. The professionalism within the group is second to none and I'm really pleased to be a part of it.
"Denis Betts has helped me a lot in the time I've spent with the first team. The more I've been around the camp, the more conversations we've had and he has offered me plenty of pointers and advice that will only benefit me as a person and as a player."
To date, Dec is yet to make his full debut for Widnes, despite featuring for the team in the pre-season trial games ahead of both the 2012 and 2013 seasons. However, he says that he's more than happy to play the ‘waiting game', commenting:
"I may not have played a Super League game for the Vikings as yet, but I know that if I continue to work hard my patience will eventually pay-off.
"To be able to play week in week out, is all that a player wants to do and I'm grateful to Widnes and our partner club Workington, for allowing me to do that and get a bit of game-time under my belt. I've played in 8 games now for Town, gelled with the team really well and I'm becoming a bit of a first team regular up there.
"Whenever the call comes from Denis, I'll be ready to make the most of any opportunities that come my way at the Vikings!"
Hulme's enthusiasm and appetite to succeed in Widnes' colours is mirrored by his Head Coach Denis Betts, who said:
"Dec understands the importance of his education and in the past he's had to juggle his role at Widnes with his University commitments. As a club, we've shown a lot of faith in him and kept him involved as much as possible, while he continues with his studies. Our partner club Workington have also utilised his services on the playing front and we're continuing to receive some great feedback from them.
"Despite being really raw at the moment, it is our intention to put as much work as possible into him to nurture and develop him as a starter. Watching him in the U20s competition last year, you could clearly see that he has a lot of good things in his game. To enhance those positives and build some consistency into his performances, we needed to spend far more time with him and we're pleased that he will now be joining us in a full-time capacity.
"He's got heaps of talent and quick feet and we're confident that he will come on in leaps and bounds in this environment. Not only will he benefit from the extra training involved, but he will also gain a greater understanding of what is required of a professional sportsman."
New deal for Dec!
The Vikings are today delighted to announce that they have retained the future services of another existing squad member, following the capture of Declan Hulme on an extended contract until the end of the 2014 Super League season.
St Helens-born Declan is currently pursuing his career in rugby league while also studying Sport and Exercise Science at Edge Hill University, having previously attended Sutton High School and Riverside College.
Following a junior career with Burtonwood Bulldogs and Bold Miners he joined Widnes at the age of seventeen, where his strong play in attack and defence earned him a call up to the England U18 squad in 2012.
Putting pen to paper on a new deal at the Vikings was an easy decision for the 20 year-old, as he admits:
"With my full-time University commitments and not actually being in the environment as much as I'd like to be, I wasn't expecting it if I'm honest, which makes it all the more pleasing.
"I'm thrilled to have been offered the opportunity and hopefully I can repay the faith that has been shown in me, by continuing my progression through the remainder of this season and into the next one.
"To say that I am learning something new is a bit of an understatement. The professionalism within the group is second to none and I'm really pleased to be a part of it.
"Denis Betts has helped me a lot in the time I've spent with the first team. The more I've been around the camp, the more conversations we've had and he has offered me plenty of pointers and advice that will only benefit me as a person and as a player."
To date, Dec is yet to make his full debut for Widnes, despite featuring for the team in the pre-season trial games ahead of both the 2012 and 2013 seasons. However, he says that he's more than happy to play the ‘waiting game', commenting:
"I may not have played a Super League game for the Vikings as yet, but I know that if I continue to work hard my patience will eventually pay-off.
"To be able to play week in week out, is all that a player wants to do and I'm grateful to Widnes and our partner club Workington, for allowing me to do that and get a bit of game-time under my belt. I've played in 8 games now for Town, gelled with the team really well and I'm becoming a bit of a first team regular up there.
"Whenever the call comes from Denis, I'll be ready to make the most of any opportunities that come my way at the Vikings!"
Hulme's enthusiasm and appetite to succeed in Widnes' colours is mirrored by his Head Coach Denis Betts, who said:
"Dec understands the importance of his education and in the past he's had to juggle his role at Widnes with his University commitments. As a club, we've shown a lot of faith in him and kept him involved as much as possible, while he continues with his studies. Our partner club Workington have also utilised his services on the playing front and we're continuing to receive some great feedback from them.
"Despite being really raw at the moment, it is our intention to put as much work as possible into him to nurture and develop him as a starter. Watching him in the U20s competition last year, you could clearly see that he has a lot of good things in his game. To enhance those positives and build some consistency into his performances, we needed to spend far more time with him and we're pleased that he will now be joining us in a full-time capacity.
"He's got heaps of talent and quick feet and we're confident that he will come on in leaps and bounds in this environment. Not only will he benefit from the extra training involved, but he will also gain a greater understanding of what is required of a professional sportsman."
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