The late play-off charge continues as Widnes welcome Hunslet
Widnes welcome Championship strugglers Hunslet to the DCBL Stadium following a potential season defying 30-14 victory away at Featherstone last week.
Head coach Allan Coleman was delighted with his players performance at Post Office Road, highlighting it as the best in the last 10 games.
Coleman has assured supporters the Vikings won’t be getting carried away and will be approaching this weeks game like any other, despite Hunslet only picking up two league wins so far this season.
Speaking ahead of the clash Coleman said “We don’t want to be that team that takes things for granted, Hunslet are in every game for 40-60 minutes at least and if we don’t turn up with the right attitude we will get beat.”
“There will be some fresh faces, which will bring more energy to the team.”
“There is a real buzz around the place at the moment, everyone wants to play and not everyone can, so when someone gets an opportunity they have to take it.”
It is expected fans favourite Liam Bent will come back into contention this week after missing two weeks of action with a deep cut. Experienced Back-Row Rhodri Lloyd also returns to fitness hoping to get an opportunity to play.
Widnes lost Morgan McWhirter in the late stages of the game at Featherstone to a head injury, despite concerns he is in contention to play.
In form Joe Edge misses another week due to a Knee injury sustained in a collision with Tee Ritson away at Barrow. Will Roberts drops out of the match day squad, however remains on loan at the club.
Mid season signing Finlay Irwin will be determined to get his first team debut.
How Hunslet shape up
It has been a rough ride in the Championship for Hunslet since their shock promotion from League One. Promotion winning coach Dean Muir was released from his duties mid season and replaced by Kyle Trout in hope of searching for an improvement in results.
Despite the change Hunslet are still without a win under Trout’s leadership and have lost several key players along the way.
Star signing Lachlan Hanneghan informed the club in July he wished not to play for the club again. It is thought the Half-Back was trying to push a mid season move to a rival club, however Hunslet stood firm and refused to terminate his contract claiming the player was in breach of contract.
The highly rated Half-Back bagged a hat trick in the reverse fixture against Widnes at the South Leeds Stadium.
Versatile Australian Kobe Rugless also departed the club several weeks ago. After impressing for Hunslet he secured a 2 week loan to Super League side Salford. Just last week it was announced Kobe would move to the capital and play for the London Broncos where he made his debut for the club in a 20-18 home defeat against Oldham.
Half-Back Sam Ackroyd, Hooker Mason Corbett and Back-Row Sam Campbell are all expected to miss the trip through injury, whilst forward Brad Clavering remains suspended. Experienced Centre Liam Welham will also miss the trip due to personal circumstances.
Notable players Lee Gaskell and Kevin Larroyer are expected to appear for the Parksiders, However former Super League speedster Greg Eden remains absent.
One to watch
This weeks one to watch is Centre Billy Jowitt. The former Bradford man was a recognised Half-Back, however has made the switch to Centre this season.
The versatile 24 year old has made 24 appearances in 2025 for Hunslet scoring 10 tries, a healthy return in a struggling team.
Still with his best years ahead, Jowitt is a weapon going forward who loves to play in open space. He is no stranger to putting boot to ball and playing what he see’s in front of him.
Hunslet will have a battle retaining his services next season with numerous clubs expected to be interested in his services.
Previous 5 meetings
- Hunslet 14-28 Widnes – May 4th 2025
- Hunslet 26-28 Widnes – March 2nd 2025
- Hunslet 22-24 Widnes – July 3rd 2011
- Widnes 10-18 Hunslet – March 20th 2011
- Hunslet 4-42 Widnes – July 1st 2001
Trivia
- The first meeting between the two sides was new years day back in 1896 where Widnes secured a 3-0 home victory.
- 75 matches have been played between the two teams, Hunslet winning 31 compared to the 41 of Widnes. The sides have drew on 3 occasions.
- Former Widnes man John Basnett is the only player to score more than a hat trick in the fixture. He scored 5 tries in a 44-8 Widnes away victory back in October 1981.
