Widnes Vikings have signed forwards Stephen Bannister and Brett Robinson for the 2009 campaign.

Bannister, 21, joins from Salford, having previously played in the Super League for Harlequins and St Helens.

Former England international schoolboy scrum-half Robinson, 19, joins from Wigan, whom he signed with in 2005.

Widnes' sporting director Terry O'Connor said: "The club wants to create a pathway for young British talent to come through the system."

O'Connor added: "The game is all about opportunities and if the right youngster becomes available we will hopefully help him reach his goal of becoming a top line professional rugby league player.

"Stephen has shown he has the potential to be a great back row forward and will be looking to establish himself in the first team. He is proven in this division and has the hunger to succeed in the game.

"Brett has all the attributes required to be a top-class player and the coaching staff are looking forward to working with him and helping him to fulfil his undoubted potential.

"Everyone that you talk to about Brett in the game rates him highly. It was only back in 2005 that all the top Super League sides were chasing him."

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