Alex Gerrard: Widnes Vikings forward signs new contract

Front-row forward Alex Gerrard has signed a new contract that will keep the 21-year-old with Widnes Vikings until the end of the 2015 season.

Gerrard forced his way into Denis Betts's line-up in the final weeks of last season and crossed for his maiden try in

"Things are going really well for me at the moment," he told the club website.

"Signing a long-term contract means I can fully focus on playing and not have to worry about any distractions."

He continued: "I featured in the last five games of 2012, I was picked for all three pre-season games and I've been selected for our opening three Super League games this year.

"I'm taking things one game at a time and working hard on my consistency. The secret now is to keep up my level of performance to ensure I maintain my place in the side."