Championship side Widnes Vikings have secured winger AJ Towse on loan from Super League club Leigh Leopards for the remainder of the season. Leigh have retained the right to recall the 21-year-old if necessary.
Towse, who joined the Leopards in the off-season following an impressive stint with York Knights, made 67 appearances and scored 35 tries during his four years at the club — including a standout 2023 campaign with 20 tries. However, he has struggled to break into Leigh’s first team this year due to strong competition from wingers Josh Charnley and Darnell McIntosh, making just two appearances so far, the last of which included a try against Salford Red Devils.
Now moving to Widnes, Towse will aim to gain more regular playing time. The Vikings, currently seventh in the Championship after a patchy start to the season, face Bradford Bulls on Sunday, with Towse expected to feature for Allan Coleman’s side.
Speaking about the new arrival, Coleman told the club’s website:
“He had a strong season with York last year. He’s a quality player — tall, athletic, and rangy — traits that we really need right now, especially with Ryan Ince sidelined.
“We’re coming up against two of the most physical wingers in the Championship this weekend at Bradford, and they love testing defences with high kicks to the corners. Having AJ in to help deal with that is a big boost.
“He’s someone we’ve admired for a while, so we’re really grateful to Leigh for making this happen.”
