The stop-start nature of the Championship season might make it seem like it has only just got going, but we are already more than a third of the way through the league season before the play-offs begin in September.
It has been a mixed start for the Vikings, and the question for Widnes fans is whether they can not only make the play-offs, but go even further, come the end of the season?
The start of the season
Currently sitting in mid-table, Widnes started well with wins over Toulouse and Sheffield, along with three cup victories, but have since gone on a run that has seen them pick up just two wins in eight games. They now find themselves five points adrift of Toulouse at the top of the table, and firmly in the mid-table position in a 13-team league where they could quite as easily be dragged down to the bottom six fight, as much as join the battle for the top six play-offs.
With four wins, three losses, and one draw, it is the form of a side destined for mid-table, and wins against teams around them is vital to keep pressure off them and on other teams, especially with the bottom four clubs to join a mini play-off series with those from League One.
A recent loss to York Knights dampened spirits and left Widnes scratching their heads as to how, once again, York had managed to get one over on them. Yet there is still plenty of time to go and plenty of home games to make up the points dropped, and fans will be hoping to get tickets for rugby matches in the future in Widnes.
The team managed to bounce back well with a win against Hunslet.
Jack Owens is vital to helping the Widnes cause
There is nobody more important than the Captain Jack Owens. Captain Fantastic, Mr. Versatile, and all-around great player,
Jack Owens is a pivotal figure for the Widnes Vikings, both on and off the field. As the club captain, he leads by example, demonstrating versatility and commitment throughout his career. He will be hoping this is the year that Widnes return to the top flight.
Boss Coleman was waxing lyrical about Owens following the win over Hunslet, “Jack is a real general and has played a number of positions, but I think centre suits him now, because he’s got such good hands, and he played a great pass to set up Mike Butt for a try.”
With over 100 tries for the Vikings, he will be hoping to add more this season to gain a playoff place.
Allan Coleman could be the man
If last season is anything to go by, Widnes are going to be in and around the playoff contention after making it last season. In a tough season, under Coleman, Widnes showed resilience and determination to get where they were. They need to push and get through the playoffs this year.
Boss Coleman may well have lauded his main man Owens, but a lot of credit has to go to Coleman for Widnes even thinking about promotion next season. In April, Coleman signed a new deal with the club he now calls home after stints with Leigh Miners and Swinton Lions where he has made his name. At the time the the Vikings’ boss said: “I’m delighted to extend my stay as head coach of this great club.”
“I feel as though in the last 18 months we’ve established the right ethos and our youth development is really on the up.”
“This club is right for me, I want to be somewhere where it means everything to the fans and it certainly does here.”
“It’s been an absolutely wonderful 18 months with this club and now that I’ve got another two-and-a-half years to go, I’m over the moon.”
With Coleman wanting his future to in at Widnes, he will be chomping at the bit to make it a reality that Widnes are back in the Premier League.
Will it happen?
As stated before, the season will be dictated, on the field anyway away from the IMG grading, by the consistency of the team. It will be hard to gain any momentum if the season is stop-start like it has been for the start anyway.
However, having made the play-offs last season, Widnes have some better experience than others of how to get there and deal with the pressure.
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