Matty Fozard says the Widnes Vikings squad are determined to start strongly when the new season commences.
The Vikings finished seventh in the Betfred Championship last year, 12 points adrift of the play-off places.
That was Fozard’s first full season at his hometown club, having made the move from fellow Championship side London Broncos.
The Wales international made 27 appearances, scoring 11 times.
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Fozard admits there is room for improvement, both personally and collectively, as the squad looks to prepare well ahead of their season-opener against York City Knights in less than two months.
Reflecting on the previous campaign, he said: “As a team we know it was a bit of a disappointment. We set ourselves targets of where we wanted to come, and it probably wasn’t good enough. The fans knew that, the staff knew that.
“Personally there’s always things that you can improve. I’m still only 27, I’m still learning the game and what I need to do better.
“Having the likes of Gilly [Tom Gilmore] and JJ coming in, they’re only going to help my game progress.”
Having been a starting hooker for the Vikings last year, Fozard will be challenged for the number nine shirt by Jordan Johnstone, who returned to the club on a two-year deal back in September.
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The 27-year-old is excited for the challenge for position and admits he is confident that whoever is picked by head coach John Kear will perform.
“It’s down to John,” Fozard said of his role in the squad. “How the game goes depends on who starts and who comes off the bench.
“We’ve both got to put our best foot forward and do what’s best for the team – train hard, play hard and hopefully keep getting picked week in, week out.”
Kear recently admitted he was happy with the depth of his squad ahead of the new campaign, having adopted a ‘two-for-one’ approach in every position.
Fozard, who returned early from his winter break having been on Wales duty at the Rugby League World Cup alongside new team-mates Ant Walker and Will Evans, says the number of quality players will significantly help the Vikings’ ambitions next year.
“We look really good. There’s a lot of depth in the squad this year and I’m really looking forward to playing behind this pack.
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“There’s some big boys. Some lads have come back stronger, fitter, faster!
“With our squad depth, it’s right across the line, not just in one position. That’ll benefit us in the long run, and I think that’s what could push us for the top six, which is what we’re hoping to achieve.”
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