OPPOSITION GUIDE | WIDNES VIKINGS

AHEAD of Sunday's Betfred Championship Round Eleven clash, we take a look at our opponents - Widnes Vikings...

Formbook

Widnes Vikings have had a mixed start to the Championship season, recording four victories, five losses and one draw.

Their recent form has seen them climb the league ladder, with wins over Oldham RLFC, Whitehaven RLFC and Sheffield Eagles in their last five games. 

The Squad

Widnes, after being relegated from Super League in 2018, have consolidated their place in the Championship and now have a vastly experienced squad, coupled with several young talents.

They boast several high-profile names, such as Logan Tomkins, Jack Owens and Steve Tyrer, the latter signing from Halifax Panthers in the off season after spending eight seasons with the Yorkshire club.

The Coach

The Vikings are coached by Simon Finnigan who took over the reins after Kieron Purtill left the club at the end of 2019.

Currently, in 2021, he has seen his side record four victories, which see his side sit in seventh place in the table.

Finnigan, who played for the Bradford Bulls during his playing career, will be looking to win back-to-back games for the first time in 2021, after defeating Sheffield Eagles last time out.

Connections

Widnes boast several connections with Bradford, most notably two former props in Matt Cook and Paul Clough, both playing for the club in recent times.

As mentioned above, Widnes coach Finnigan also played for the club during his career, racking up 30 games in 2008.

The Stadium

Widnes Vikings play their home games at The Halton Stadium, also known as The DCBL Stadium for sponsorship purposes.

The ground has been home to Widnes Vikings for their entire history but was renovated in 1997 to become all seater.

Previous Affairs

During 2019, Bradford Bulls faced Widnes Vikings twice, both times in the Betfred Championship.

The away fixture, ended in a 25-20 loss, with a late Elliot Minchella try being ruled out, while the home fixture ended in a 62-0 victory.