Widnes Vikings centre Max Roberts says he is targeting a return to action at this year’s Betfred Championship Summer Bash.
The Vikings take on Swinton Lions at the LNER Community Stadium at the end of next month, kicking off Day 1 of the Championship’s showpiece event.
The 22-year-old has not featured for the Vikings since picking up an ankle injury during the club’s pre-season win over Oldham in January.
He signed for the Vikings from Swinton Lions, having scored 16 tries in 23 appearances for the club in 2022. He also helped the Lions achieve promotion from Betfred League 1 alongside current team-mate Lewis Hatton.
BUY NOW: Home tickets
Roberts returned to field training sessions less than a fortnight ago, and he says he cannot wait to get back out onto the pitch.
“It’s coming along really well now,” he said.
“This week, I started back running. I’ve not run properly since the middle of January – the Oldham game – so it’s nice to get back on the field and be around training.
“Spending that time away in the gym, it’s a little bit lonely at times, but luckily – or not luckily for me, I’ve had big pals Gilly [Tom Gilmore] and Ryan Millar that have had operations too, so I’ve not been too lonely.
“I was really looking forward to the season. Personally, I felt I did well in the first two games which I did play in.
“And then I was looking forward to playing in the St Helens game because my brother actually played for Saints, he came off the bench!
“Being on the sidelines and seeing the team do so well, and obviously feeling that I’ve not really contributed as much as I’d like to, I just can’t wait to get out there again.”
Looking further ahead, Roberts hopes he can put himself in the conversation for a starting spot before the end of the season.
He admits there has been real competition in his position this season, with Joe Edge, Matty Fleming, and the on-loan Zach Eckersley all starting at centre during the opening rounds of the season.
Despite that, Roberts insists he is determined to prove to head coach John Kear that he can do a job when called upon.
JOIN US: 2023 Summer Bash
“At the start of the season, you always want to nail on a starting spot,” he said.
“That’s everyone’s number one goal, to be in that starting 13 come the start of the season.
“Obviously things happen, such as injuries. For me, when you look at the two centres, we’ve got young Zach [Eckersley] on loan who’s started really well, Edge has been killing it every week.
“For me, I’ve just got to put my hands up in training, do what I can and then leave it up to John.”
Visit our online club shop to buy the latest Vikings merchandise!
