WIDNES Vikings have handed back rower Macgraff Leuluai a 12-month contract extension after an impressive third Super League season at the Select Security Stadium.

Leuluai, aged 24, signed a new deal that means he will remain at the Vikings for at least the next two seasons.

The Kiwi, brother to Kiwi ace Thomas and son of former Hull star James, has excelled for Denis Betts’ side this year, making 23 appearances and scoring his first ever Widnes try against St Helens.

Betts says the New Zealander is starting to show the signs of a really consistent Super League back row forward.

He said: “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.

“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.”

Wakefield-born Leuluai says he’s delighted to commit his future to the Vikings.

“I love the Club and I’m enjoying my footy here so it was an easy decision for me to make,” Leuluai 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.”