An update following Sunday’s victory over Workington Town, as we look ahead to the Halifax Panthers game this Sunday…
INJURY UPDATE
The Vikings have no new injury concerns heading into this Sunday’s trip to West Yorkshire. Last Sunday’s 70-18 victory over Workington saw us race to the top of the Championship table after two rounds and we will head into Round 3 buoyed by another strong performance.
We will still be without captain Jack Owens, who continues his rehab programme with a minor knee injury.
This week’s game also comes a week early for long-term absentees Ste Tyrer and Shane Grady, who have undergone surgery in the off-season on respective shoulder and ankle injuries. Both players will be available for selection for the Monday Night Rugby League clash with Dewsbury Rams at the Tetley’s Stadium on 21 February (7.45pm kick-off), live on Premier Sports.
Livewire hooker Dec Gregory is still recovering from a hip flexor injury sustained during training, and will be available for selection within the next two weeks.
After missing the Workington game, Owen Farnworth and Ollie Brookes will face fitness checks through the week before a decision is made on their availability for Sunday’s game.
Finally, new signing Levy Nzoungou is entering the final stages of his return to play from a serious knee injury. He has recently returned to training and is continuing to build up his fitness with lead Strength & Conditioning coach Bob Beswick ahead of his return to action.
MILESTONES
Matty Smith reached his 350th career appearance with a sparkling performance against Workington, with the half-back providing two try assists for Adam Lawton and Matt Fleming, as well as a high kick to set Brad Holroyd up to put down under the sticks with his first touch on his debut against his former club.
Danny Craven could hit 400 career points this weekend against Halifax if he can tot up five points in the game.
Olly Davies is just four points away from 100 career points, and Matty Fozard is also just a try away from another milestone in 200 career points.
STATS UPDATE
- Eight of Widnes’ 12 tries in the Workington game were scored by forwards (Lawton 3, Wilde 2, Davies, Fozard, Dupree).
- 42 of the Vikings’ 70 points were scored by academy products (Lawton 12, Craven 8, Edge 22)
- 38 of our 70 points were scored by Widnes lads (Lawton 12, Fozard 4, Edge 22).
- Matty Fozard, Tyler Dupree, Matt Fleming and Brad Holroyd all scored their first Widnes tries in the game.
- Adam Lawton scored three tries in 30 minutes.
- Olly Davies has now scored two tries in as many games.
- Sam Wilde has now scored three tries in two games.
- Joe Edge had a 91.6% conversion rate from the tee (11/12).
