WIDNES Vikings this week have confirmed the signing of Aussie second row forward, Simon Finnegan.

The 21-year-old, who was born in Warrington and holds a British passport, has been on trial with Neil Kelly's Widnes pack during the close season.

The coaches were impressed with the former Penrith Panthers reserve grade player in both friendlies against Wigan and St Helens.

Finnigan has been handed the number 25 shirt in Kelly's squad list.