Patrick Ah Van: Widnes Vikings winger signs contract to 2015

Winger Patrick Ah Van has signed a new contract that will keep him at Widnes until the end of the 2015 season.

The 25-year-old, who joined the Vikings from Bradford Bulls, scored 14 Super League tries in 2012 and a further six during the current campaign.

"We've had a pretty decent start to the year and there's a confidence within the group that we can finish the season strongly," he told the club website.

"This club is really on the way up and we're only going to get better."

New Zealand-born Ah Van is currently out with a knee injury picked up against Wakefield last month.

However, he is confident of a swift return, adding: "It's frustrating not being out there with the boys, but if all goes according to plan, I'll be back on the field sooner rather than later.

"Individually, I've also got a personal ambition to be selected for the Samoa World Cup squad."

Widnes coach Denis Betts said: "The Widnes fans love him. Pat has proven to everybody that he has an eye for a try.

"There are very few wingers in the game who can actually carry the ball like he can and do the hard yards in their own half of the field, and still be blessed with such an impressive skill set.

"When he was at Bradford, I could see something in his game and I was keen to work closely with him.

"Over the past two seasons, I think it's fair to say that we've definitely reaped the rewards of bringing him here to Widnes."