Papua New Guinea rugby league international Wellington Albert is free to make his Widnes Vikings debut after being granted a UK work visa.
The 23-year-old was signed by the Super League side after an impressive 2017, where he won the Queensland Cup title with the PNG Hunters and was a part of the Kumuls memorable run to the Rugby League World Cup quarter finals.
Wellington Albert's visa was approved after his final immigration meeting with the UK Home Office.
Wellington Albert is now free to debut for the Widnes Vikings. Photo: Widnes Vikings.
Stanton Albert, who played alongside his brother at the Penrith Panthers and Hunters has also signed with Widnes and is scheduled to have his visa meeting in the coming week.
PNG Kumuls centre Katio Ottio had also signed for the Vikings club but died earlier this month at training in Port Moresby, days before his expected departure for the UK.
PNG Rugby League issue warning over unsanctioned competitions
The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League has issued a notice to all affiliated leagues, franchises and officials to refrain from organising and participating in unsanctioned off-season competitions.
Chairman Sandis Tsaka said all leagues affiliated to the PNGRFL, PNGNRLC, its referees, players, staff and officials must not be involved in way in these unsanctioned events.
"Any clubs or individuals involved in unsanctioned off-season tournaments will face sanctions including removal from all PNGRFL sanctioned events and competitions."
Tsaka said affiliates, clubs and officials are required to seek the clearance and sanction of the PNGRFL before organising and participating in such competitions.
"This is to ensure the competitions comply with our minimum standards, protect participants and existing commercial agreements that help fund and support rugby league in PNG."
