The Vikings take on London Broncos in the final match of the season following play-off heart break at the Shay
Despite a late flourish, Widnes bowed out of the play-off race last weekend falling to a 16-14 defeat to Halifax Panthers. The Vikings had plenty of field position, however failed to turn pressure into points.
The defeat means that both Widnes and London only have pride left to play for. Both clubs will look back on the season with disappointment regarding on field performances and question what could have been.
Disappointment for both clubs can no longer be avoided, however it provides an opportunity for both teams to play a game of Rugby pressure free.
With nothing to lose for either club it opens up an opportunity for both head coaches to play an expansive brand of Rugby League to send supporters into the off season on a high.
Widnes head into the game with Tom Gilmore as the only recognised Half-Back for Widnes and is expected to be partnered with Jack Owens. Dec Patton drops out of the squad and has likely played his last game for the club, it is likely he will link up with North Wales Crusaders next season.
Rhodri Lloyd is in contention to make his farewell appearance for the club. The Championship stalwart represented his country at three World Cups and played 51 appearances for Widnes, crossing the try line on 13 occasions.
Front-rower Gav Bennion is in line to make his final appearance for the club. The big middle joined the club at the start of the 2025 season, however has found game time limited in the second half of the season.
After a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Winger Ryan Ince is likely to make an end of season return to action.
One to watch
The last one to watch of the season is London Broncos utility forward Kobe Rugless. The Australian made the move to the UK at the beginning of 2025 signing for bottom of the table Hunslet.
Following a number of impressive performances in a struggling team, Kobe made the short term move to Super League outfit Salford Red Devils. At the end of his short term loan, he linked up with the Broncos in the capital.
Rugless is an incredibly durable player who is capable of playing long minutes. He is defensively solid, and a player who likes to play with the ball. The Vikings will have to watch his tip on plays close to the defensive line, as he will be looking to exploit gaps in the Widnes defence.
Kobe has made no secret about his Super League ambitions and often posts on social media his incredibly strict diet and training routine. With the takeover lead by Darren Lockyer looming he has been a smart pick up by the Broncos.
At the age of 24, he has the best years of his career still ahead of him and has experience playing in the systems of Sydney Roosters, Newcastle Knights and Manly Sea Eagles.
He has an abundance of New South Wales Cup appearances to his name and will no doubt be targeting a return to Super League next season.
Previous 5 meetings
- London 10-12 Widnes – May 31st 2025
- London 52-12 Widnes – September 10th 2023
- Widnes 18- 26 London – June 4th 2023
- Widnes 26-22 London – June 23rd 2022
- London 12-34 Widnes – January 30th 2022
Trivia
- Widnes first played London then known as Fulham back in 1981. Widnes legend Reg Bowden was player and coach that day for Fulham.
- Only Luke Dorn and Ryan Ince have scored more than 3 tries in the fixture, Luke Dorn bagged 4 tries in a 68-10 victory for London back in 2005, whilst Ince also secured 4 tries in a 34-12 away victory in 2022.
