Widnes Vikings have signed 21-year-old forward Sam Thompson on a two-year contract from St Helens.

The former Salford City Reds academy graduate made it onto Saints' bench six times in 2008.

"I'm very pleased to be signing for Widnes - it's a great club that's going places," said Thompson.

"They were very unlucky to miss out on a Super League Licence last time round but I'm sure in three years' time there will be nothing to stop them."

The former England Universities Under-19s and Barla Great Britain Under-21s player added: "It's a really big challenge for me and one I'm really looking forward to - I can't wait to get started."