Jack Owens says he is full of excitement at the prospect of captaining Widnes Vikings into a new season.
Head coach John Kear has selected the versatile back as his captain for 2023 – a title he has retained since first being appointed to the role ahead of the Covid-hit 2020 season.
The 28-year-old is preparing to enter his ninth year with the club, having played for the Vikings across two separate spells, and he admits the standard of players in the squad this time around makes for plenty of excitement.
Discussing his captaincy, Owens said: “As a hometown lad, sitting in that North Stand watching Widnes, my dream was to play for Widnes, and now I’m doing that.
“There are players around me now who can take that pressure off. Gilly [Tom Gilmore] is essentially a coach on the pitch, Jordan Johnstone can step up and say things when needed and Kyle Amor, as we know from commentaries, likes the sound of his own voice and will step in!
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“Things happen in rugby and get said, but people know it’s to better the team and afterwards it’s done.
“I’m buzzing to be captain again, and hopefully I can do myself and the town proud.”
Owens struggled with injuries last season and was only able to make eight appearances in total. However, he is set to pass 150 appearances in Vikings colours this year.
Despite playing for his hometown club for a number of years, he insists the pressure is on to retain his spot in the team, given the options at John Kear’s disposal.
“Last year, I was getting myself back medically fit, but not rugby fit, to be honest,” he admitted.
“That’s in the past now. I’m feeling good and we’re looking good as a squad.
“The calibre of players we’ve signed – Tom Gilmore, in-form half-back for the past two years at this level. Jordan Johnstone, Kyle Amor, and keeping the likes of Callum Field. Max Roberts and Lewis Hatton have made a real impression from Swinton.
“The squad is in a very good place and I hope the fans see that and get behind that.”
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First up for the Vikings is a trip to York RLFC Knights on Sunday, with the likes of Bradford Bulls, Halifax Panthers and recently-relegated Toulouse Olympique all to come in the opening six rounds of the new season.
The Betfred Championship appears more competitive than ever, and Owens knows he and the rest of the squad will need to be on top form from minute one.
“I’m playing for my position. Personally, I’ve got to play well and I have a point to prove this year, and I do think we have the team to help me do that,” he added.
“Competition is healthy in rugby league, as long as John manages it right and the players are honest with each other, which we have got.
“Rather than having a very good 1-17, we’ve got a very good squad this year. The competition is getting stronger, and we’ve got to make sure we don’t fall behind.”
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Featured photo credit: RLPIX
