Let’s take a look at how the squad is shaping up for the Whitehaven game this Sunday (3pm kick-off).
Coming off the back of a disappointing defeat away to table-topping Featherstone Rovers, and a weekend off, the Vikings head into this crucial clash at home to Cumbrian side Whitehaven refreshed and with some players returning to the fold for this week’s game.
Both sides are coming off the back of losses, Whitehaven’s most recent defeat coming at home to Bradford Bulls who ran out 34-22 victors at the Recreation Ground.
With the 1895 Cup semi-final games being played over the past weekend it has given both sides an opportunity to get more training sessions under their belts and a chance for injured players to return to the squads.
Our pack will be bolstered by the recent signing of experienced front rower Josh Johnson from Salford Red Devils. Josh played for Barrow against us earlier in the season and impressed with his strong ball carrying and work rate.
In addition to Josh, Callum Field will also add some aggression and physicality after joining on a season-long loan deal from Featherstone Rovers.
Joe Lyons has completed the RFL concussion guidelines and has since returned to light training after sustaining a head knock in our last fixture. Joe will be available for selection this week.
Aaron Brown has returned to full training since suffering a toe injury last month. He will be looking to be back on the field this weekend.
Adam Lawton missed the trip to Featherstone with a slight knee injury. He has since been running with the physio and has progressed very well. A call on Adam will be made later in the week.
Joe Edge has returned to full training after missing the past couple of games with an ankle injury. He will be available for selection this weekend.
Ryan Ince has also returned to training after picking up a rib injury against Leigh Centurions last month. He will continue to be assessed and a call on his availability will be made later this week.
Ollie Brookes has suffered another setback after picking up another hamstring injury after the Featherstone game, he will face another spell on the sidelines and will undergo a rehabilitation programme with the club physio and Strength and Conditioning staff.
Danny Craven has suffered a slight setback in his recovery but will be assessed ahead of the weekend with a view to playing on Sunday.
Jack Owens is progressing well after his knee surgery and is aiming to start running with the physio within the next couple of weeks.
Shane Grady has returned to light running on the field with the medical staff and will be aiming to progress his running metres over the course of the next few weeks.
Levy Nzoungou still remains sidelined with an achilles injury. He has recently come out of his protective boot and will be looking to progress his rehab programme further over the coming weeks.
You can buy tickets for the Whitehaven game via the button below, with Widnes ready to take on a great opportunity to get back on the horse.
