Chris Houston is embracing a new challenge with the Widnes Vikings

Widnes Vikings have completed the signing of experienced NRL forward Chris Houston from the Newcastle Knights.

Back-rower Houston was released from the last year of his contract with the Knights and signed a two-year deal with the Super League side.

The 30-year-old played 176 NRL games for the Knights and St George-Illawarra Dragons and has already been over to England to meet his new team-mates.

He told the club's official website: "I've loved my time in the NRL but I wanted a new challenge.

"I've been speaking to [chief executive] James Rule and Denis Betts for the past few weeks and last week I came over to the UK to meet all the people involved with the club.

"I'm coming here to do a job. Super League is always something I have wanted to experience. It's a challenge I am looking forward to."

Vikings coach Betts said: "Chris has got a fantastic pedigree, he's a quality player and will bring great leadership skills.

"We're really looking forward to bringing him over and having him as part of the squad in our pursuit of success.

"People will think that because we've signed a back-rower, he is here to replace Danny Galea, but we were already pursuing Chris before Danny's spot became available."