Mellor scored seven tries in 14 appearances for the Vikings as a dual-registered player in the Championship in 2011 and is set to go into their team to face St Helens on Friday night.

The 21-year-old made his Wigan debut in their shock defeat at Widnes earlier this season and has played in two of their last four matches as coach Shaun Wane rotated his squad.

Widnes coach Denis Betts said: "It's great to have Joe back on board. He's a fantastic kid with a brilliant attitude who needs Super League experience.

"That's obviously restricted at Wigan at the moment, given the amount of quality players that are currently in front of him.

"As he proved in his last spell at the Vikings, Joe is a committed player and a good professional who wants to be part of the team."

Wigan rugby manager Kris Radlinski said: "This is an excellent opportunity for Joe to gain some more first-team match experience in the top flight with the Vikings. The loan deal benefits all the parties involved."