Ace Varkulis pens deal with Vikings

Sep 18 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

WIDNES Vikings have secured the signature of yet another Cooperative National League One star this week with the acquisition of Halifax three-quarter Richard Varkulis.

The ex-BARLA International, Varkulis, who scored 22 tries in 56 games for ‘Fax after moving from Rochdale 2006, has penned a one year deal to play at the Stobart Stadium.

Head coach Steve McCormack said: “Richard has been one of the standout players in National League for the past few years.

“He is very explosive and dynamic and has shown his versatility by playing both in the pack and three-quarters and will be a great asset to the club.”

Varkulis came through the ranks at Leigh before joining Warrington Wolves in 2003, where he scored 30 tries in 24 games for their Academy side.

Now the 26 year-old Viking, whose wife is a PE teacher at Saints Peter Paul Catholic College in Widnes is relishing the opportunity to pull on a Vikings shirt.

Varkulis said: “Widnes is a very professional set-up and I was surprised when they weren’t given a Super League Licence.

“They’ve certainly got the best set-up outside Super League and I’m sure in 2012 they will be there.

“I want another shot at Super League and playing at Widnes should give me that opportunity.”

Varkulis will certainly now be joined in the Vikings ranks for the 2009 season by many of the side’s outstanding performers from last season.

The club announced this week that they have retained six members of the 2008 squad.

John Duffy and Richard Fletcher have both extended their contracts for 12 months and will continue to work with the Vikings in the Community department, which has proved to be successful during the latter part of the 2008 campaign.

Also re-signing for 2009 are Lee Paterson and Tim Hartley while Gavin Dodd and Jim Gannon were already contracted until the end of the 2009 season.

McCormack added: “Duff and Fletch have been good additions both on and off the pitch and have impressed with their never-say-die attitudes.

“Lee has been one of the players of the season as was seen by his nominations at the recent Stobart Awards night.

“His ability to cover so many positions is a valuable asset to us and he is an important member of the squad.

“Tim has had his injury problems during 2008 but when fit has shown what a talented player he is as well as a prolific goal-kicker, whilst Gavin and Jim have both had exceptional seasons.

“Gavin has scored some important tries as well as picking up the try-of-the-season award while Jim has led by example week in, week out.”