Top tier European rugby league club, Widnes Vikings, has signed on recent Rugby League World Cup player and PNG Kumul, Wellington Albert.
The 23-year-old joins the Vikings in the 2018 Betfred Super League season alongside fellow PNG Kumul, Kato Ottio.
Albert is known for his pace, power and physicality – standing at 194 centimetres tall and weighing at about 114 kilograms.
He joins the 35-man squad already named for the Betfred Super League season in the United Kingdom.
His move to the Vikings is subject to visa approval.
Head coach of Widnes Vikings, Denis Betts, said the Vikings are looking forward to welcoming Albert to the pre-season training at the earliest opportunity.
Betts said after speaking to those who coached and played alongside Albert, he identified him as having the right qualities to enhance the Vikings.
The Vikings coach said it was exciting to introduce a forward to the squad, with Albert’s ability to play on the wing, and given his size and determination.
The young Southern Highlander rose to prominence when he became the first Papua New Guinean to score an NRL contract directly from PNG when he joined the Penrith Panthers.
Albert has played 20 league games and was a constant presence in the side that secured the Hunters their first ever Intrust Super Cup premiership.
He again demonstrated his strength at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, featuring in the victories over Ireland and Wales.
(Loop file pic)