Widnes Vikings would like to place on record, our sincere thanks to the clubs who have supported us with loan players and amateur trialists ahead of Thursday night’s fixture against Sheffield Eagles.
With the 1895 Cup Final against London Broncos on Monday fast approaching, the support we have received has been invaluable in allowing us to field a competitive side against Sheffield while maintaining the strength, depth and preparation required across our squad ahead of the cup final.
We would especially like to thank Castleford Tigers for their assistance in providing Jenson Windley, Sean Coughlan and Sam Grice, who join our existing Tigers loanees Aiden Doolan and Alfie Lindsey.
We also thank Leeds Rhinos for allowing Max Rhodes to join us for Thursday’s fixture.
Our thanks also go to the amateur clubs who have supported their players in taking this opportunity, with Ryan Forshaw (Thatto Heath), Jack Hamer (Leigh Miners) and Ben Harper (Wigan St Patricks) joining the Vikings as registered trialists.
Adding further depth to the squad are two of our own Future Vikings products, Zak Bennett and Declan Rigby, who have been given the well deserved opportunity to step up and be involved with the first team.
For Zak, Thursday night represents a particularly significant milestone, as he is set to become the first player from the Future Vikings Programme to make his first-team debut. This is a phenomenal achievement for the youngster and a proud moment for everyone involved in his development.
We hope he will be the first of many Future Vikings products to make their mark in the Widnes first team. We may get to see a second Future Viking on the same evening, with Declan Rigby taking position as 18th man.
The willingness of clubs at both the professional and community levels to work with us demonstrates the strength of the rugby league family.
For the Vikings, Thursday night is about fielding a team capable of competing strongly against Sheffield, while ensuring our wider squad remains in the best possible condition ahead of Monday’s 1895 Cup Final.
Head coach Allan Coleman said: “We can’t thank the clubs involved enough for their help and support.
“Zak’s inclusion is a real special moment for the club, the individual and all involved with his development, we hope that he’s the first of many more pathway players to come through our system.”
Widnes Vikings director Matt Roberts added: “We’re extremely grateful to every club, and player who has helped us put this squad together for Thursday night.
“The support we’ve received from both the professional and community game, demonstrates exactly what makes this sport so special.
“It’s a particularly proud moment to see Zak Bennett become the first Future Vikings player to make his first team debut, it’s exactly what the programme sets out to achieve, creating a pathway for young, local players to progress into the Vikings first team, it’s a fantastic milestone for Zak and his family, as well as everyone involved in his development.
“Thank you so much to everyone who has made these arrangements possible.”
