Widnes Vikings forward Anthony Mullally has joined Co-operative Championship One club Whitehaven on loan for the rest of the season.

The 20-year-old has made nine substitute appearances for the Vikings in Stobart Super League this year but is out of contract at the end of the season and has rejected the offer of a new deal.

Vikings director of rugby Paul Cullen, a former Whitehaven coach, said: “Whitehaven’s squad will be boosted by the arrival of a quality player, while Anthony will gain valuable experience playing week in week out in a tough environment.

“Having seen his opportunities limited in recent times, this will certainly aid his development as a player.”

Mullally, who spent the 2011 season in Australia with Brisbane Broncos’ feeder club, is set to make his debut for Whitehaven against South Wales Scorpions at the Recreation Ground on Sunday.

Whitehaven chief executive Barry Richardson said: “We are extremely grateful to Widnes and Paul Cullen for allowing Anthony to join us for the remainder of the season.

“Having seen him play and received so many good reports about him, we are absolutely delighted to capture the services of such a quality player and are hopeful his introduction will give us a huge push in our bid for promotion this year.”