WIDNES Vikings have announced a dual registration partnership with Super League side Warrington Wolves for the 2024 season.

While the two clubs have a historic rivalry in the sport, the priority of the partnership is to strengthen ties that will prove beneficial for both sides.

It is not the first time the one-time Good Friday and Boxing Day rivals have teamed up this way.

The clubs had begun a similar agreement back in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic impacted that campaign.

Widnes Vikings Head Coach Allan Coleman said: “I’m really excited with the dual-registration. If you look through their squad they’ve got some quality players and, if they’re fully fit, we’re going to be offered exceptional players.

“The club had spoken to a number of other teams and obviously chose to go with Warrington which is fantastic for us.

“There are a lot of similar characteristics between the two clubs. Both clubs have got new coaches, obviously with Sam’s arrival there and I’m a new arrival at Widnes. We’ve also both brought new players in so I think we mirror each other really well.

“They’ve also got a lot of young, up-and-coming players which excites me because the younger the better in my eyes.”

Warrington Wolves Head Coach Sam Burgess said: “This partnership is a big plus for both clubs.

“We are looking forward to working with Allan Coleman and his team.

"The partnership will provide our players with the opportunity to gain valuable first team experience in a highly competitive league, whilst supporting a great club with a fantastic tradition in the game.”