Widnes Vikings half-back Joe Lyons admits his side couldn’t have wished for a better start to the season following Sunday’s 26-18 win at home to Keighley Cougars.
The Vikings were made to work hard by the side promoted as champions from Betfred League 1 last season, but a hat-trick from Ryan Millar helped them record a second league win of 2023.
Celebrating his 100th career appearance, Lyons played an instrumental role in a number of the Vikings’ tries.
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Speaking post-match, Lyons said: “It’s the best start we could ask for. Two good performances, two wins from two, it’s what we wanted.
“It shows good character from us as we essentially had to win the game twice. It’s good for us, and is something we can take forward for the rest of the year.”
Lyons started alongside the returning Danny Craven in the halves, having partnered Tom Gilmore in the club’s Round 1 win at York RLFC Knights.
The 25-year-old admits playing alongside players of their calibre is helping to bring the best out of his game.
“It feels good. Both players that I’ve partnered with are slightly different, but I just play my game and hopefully it helps the team,” he added.
“Danny Craven has been one of our top players for however long he’s been here. To partner with him is good – he offers a lot to the team.
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“Confidence is high after two wins, but every game is tough in this league.
“We’ve got to go [to Bradford] with the same attitude, put our best foot forward and hopefully get the result again.”
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Featured photo credit: RLPIX
