Widnes Vikings appoint ‘hometown boy’ Simon Finnigan as head coach

The 38-year-old, who grew up in Australia and had spells as a player at Bradford Bulls and Huddersfield Giants, joins Widnes after two years in charge of Newcastle Thunder.

Finnigan developed a reputation as one of the game’s most exciting young coaches when he led Newcastle to the Betfred League One promotion final at the end of his first year as team boss.

Before that, Finnigan was an assistant-coach at Toronto Wolfpack when they finished top of League One and won the Championship league leaders’ shield. He also worked on the backroom staff at Leigh Centurions after hanging up his boots in 2014. Finnigan had two stints as a player with Widnes in 2003 and also featured for Salford Red Devils, Bradford, Huddersfield and Leigh Centurions. Born in Warrington, Finnigan described his appointment as a “massive honour”.

He said: “I feel privileged to get this opportunity and it obviously means a lot to me.

“I have always had an association with Widnes and I have got that history with the club. I live in the town, this is my home. When the opportunity came up, it was something I wanted to do straight away because this club means a lot to me. I can see the project all of us at the club are working to achieve and it makes it a really exciting time to be a part of that.”

Newcastle director of rugby Denis Betts, a former Widnes head coach, said: “Although we are disappointed Simon is moving on, we understand his reasons for doing so.

“Widnes is his home town, he has played for the club and they are in the Championship. He leaves with our best wishes and we are sure he will make a big impression at the Vikings.

“Our attention now turns to a replacement for what is one of the most exciting coaching roles in rugby league. I’m sure it will generate a lot of interest and we look forward to the continued progress the Thunder are making.”

Finnigan replaces former Australia Test coach Tim Sheens who was appointed in October, 2019 and resigned last month. Widnes were relegated to the Championship in 2018, ending a seven-year stay in Super League.