DEC Patton is closer to home turf after signing for Widnes Vikings this week.

The former Warrington Wolves Super League Grand Final and Challenge Cup Final half-back is the Championship club’s most eye-catching piece of business among a clutch of new recruits.

Patton, now 29, featured at scrum-half for Warrington Wolves as they defeated favourites St Helens in the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley in 2019, while he also featured in The Wire’s Grand Final defeats to Wigan at Old Trafford in 2016 and 2018.

During his time with his hometown club he made two appearances for Vikings on dual registration in 2020.

Since moving on from The Halliwell Jones Stadium, the former England Knights international has become a hardened Championship half and racked up 194 career appearances, scoring 24 tries in the process.

He arrives at the DCBL Stadium for 2025 from Featherstone Rovers, whom he joined halfway through last season from Swinton Lions.

Patton also spent time in Super League with Salford and the Championship with Bradford Bulls but he is now Allan Coleman’s fourth new signing for next season.

“I’m excited to be part of what is growing here and I’m happy to have the chance to play my part,” said Patton.

“I’m hoping to bring some creativity and just hopefully add to the talent that’s already in the team.

“After speaking to Allan and hearing the club’s ambitions on what they want to achieve, the chance to be a part of that is pretty exciting.”

Coleman said: “Getting Dec is a huge coup for us. He’s got bags of ability and is one of the best halves in the competition.

“He’s got an extraordinary kicking game which is something I think we need. He brings plenty of experience having played at a high level.”

Another Warrington-born Ex-Wire player will be donning black and white next season, too.

Wales international prop Gavin Bennion has joined Vikings on a one-year deal after making 89 appearances over two spells with Swinton.

Bennion, who started out with Warrington and has had spells with Mackay Cutters in Australia, Oldham and Featherstone, said: “The club is definitely on the way up to where it belongs,  so it was a no-brainer for me.

“I think the opportunity to play in a well-established team with some great players around me, backed by a good coaching team, will really help my game.

 “I’m hoping to bring some more size and power to our pack, along with aggression and a good work ethic.”