Do or die for Widnes as they make the trip to Halifax
With two games to go in the regular Championship season the mission is simple for Widnes and that is to win at all costs. A defeat at the Shay and the play-off dream for the Vikings is all over.
A victory for Widnes would see them leap above Halifax in the league table by one point going into the final round of fixtures, meaning their play-off fate would be in their own hands ahead of the last home fixture against London Broncos.
On the flip side a Halifax victory would seal a play-off spot for Kyle Eastmond’s men. The match promises to be a spectacular encounter between two desperate teams with everything to play for.
Earlier in the season when the two teams met, they played out a nail biting 24-24 draw. Perhaps this is the biggest indication Sunday’s game, with everything on the line, has the potential to be a Championship classic that lives long in the memory.
Both teams head into the game off the back of impressive victories. Widnes cruised past Hunslet 40-10 last time out whilst Halifax humbled Barrow in Cumbria 44-10.
Halifax have scored more than 40 points in each of their last 3 fixtures, whilst Widnes are unbeaten in the last 5 games. A sizable crowd is expected and will no doubt be entertained.
Allan Coleman welcomes back Joe Edge to full fitness, whilst Liam Bent is also in contention to make a return to action. Both players are the most likely to force their way into the match day team out of the players who missed the action against Hunslet.
Rhodri Lloyd and Gavin Bennion are also available if called upon. Winger Ryan Ince also returns to the 21 man squad, however an appearance from him is unlikely.
How Halifax shape up
The Panthers name a strong 21 match day squad only making two changes from their visit to Barrow last weekend.
Loan duo George Whitby and Leon Cowen drop out of the match day squad, whilst outside backs Owen Restall and James Saltonstall make a return.
It is likely Kyle Eastmond will name a close to an unchanged team that secured a convincing away victory last week.
One to watch
This weeks one to watch is pack leader Brandon Douglas. The powerful middle missed the majority of last season through injury and it was no secret performances was a struggle for Halifax.
Fully fit and ready to go, the 2025 season for Brandon and the Panthers has been a different story. His presence in the team in 2025 has been a huge lift for Kyle Eastmond.
He is a player with a wealth of experience and has gained a reputation of being one of the best forwards in the Championship. Douglas is a player who is very much route one and carries hard but straight.
He has aggression in abundance and is a player who prides himself on the small efforts in defence that supporters sometimes miss.
The contest between him and the Vikings Dan Murray is just one of the many intriguing individual battles across the pitch. Both forwards will want to lead their packs to victory and both have a sizable reputation at Championship level.
Previous 5 meetings
- Widnes 42-12 Halifax – February 27th 2023
- Halifax 26-28 Widnes – August 27th 2023
- Widnes 40-14 Halifax – April 14th 2024
- Halifax 20-24 Widnes – July 21st 2024
- Widnes 24-24 Halifax – June 15th 2025
Trivia
- Widnes are unbeaten in their last 5 against the Panthers.
- 132 matches have been played between the two teams since 1895, yet no player has managed to score more than a hat-trick in the fixture.
