Widnes fall to a heavy 50-12 pre-season defeat against local rivals Warrington as attention turns to round one of the Championship
It was an impressive ball in hand performance by Warrington Friday night punishing Widnes at nearly every opportunity. Former Widnes loanee Cai Taylor-Wray stole the show with his electric speed demonstrating why he has secured the starting Full-back jersey.
As for Widnes it was a difficult evening against a red hot Warrington. The concern for Widnes was the lack of resistance in defence, with the Wolves scoring from almost every opportunity first half.
Little evidence was on display of being able to defend the try line, whilst ball in hand the attack often looked slow and laboured.
The absence of Tom Gilmore was noticeable not having that general in the spine of the team calling the shots.
On the positive side, the Widnes forward pack will have been exposed to a pace that will likely not be repeated at Championship level.
Second half substitutes Toby Hughes and Deacon Connelly linked up well for the first of two tries. Both have little Championship experience, but both showed great touches in a short space of time.
Nathan Connells switch to Full-back was a positive move made by Coleman. The former Salford man looked busy out the back and enjoyed exploring space on the field.
It was warming to see three of the least experienced players taking their opportunity, giving Coleman something to think about ahead of round one.
Similar signings last season simply didn’t work out with Reegan Sumner, Cameron Brown, McKenzie Buckley and Adam Jones leaving before making a competitive appearance.
Hopefully that is one issue that is a thing of the past.
My round one starting team
- Nathan Connell
- Mike Butt
- Deacon Connelly
- Joe Edge
- Ryan Ince
- Jack Owens
- Jordan Abdull
- Dan Murray
- Jordan Johnstone
- Liam Bent
- Sam Wilde
- Max Roberts
- Morgan McWhirter
- Matty Fozard
- Jack Bibby
- Jay Chapelhow
- Danny Langtree
Noticeable selections
The absence of Tom Gilmore attacking Warrington’s try line was a huge miss. The Vikings looked to lack a voice controlling the direction of traffic in the middle of the field and the distribution was slow at times.
Deploying Jack Owens at Half-back is by no means a long term solution, but in the short term would fill that void in the hope of turning pressure into points and being more fluid ball in hand.
The decision is harsh on Joe Lyons, however Abdull for his long and short kicking game needs to be in the team despite fitness concerns.
Nathan Connell took his opportunity at Full-back, the attack looked more threatening once he switched positions and he looked a player who enjoyed playing with space in front of him.
The selection is harsh on Matt Fleming who was top metre maker, however struggled defensively and with his timing chiming into the line.
The possible return of Morgan McWhirter would be my choice for the starting Loose-forward spot. He will bring more size and energy to the starting pack, whilst offering a threat with his offloading game.
Asserting dominance down the middle is crucial in the opening 20 minutes getting on the front foot before Matty Fozard enters the field, with Jordan Johnstone dropping to Loose-forward as a result.
Despite this being my choice, it is expected Nick Gregson will keep the spot.
If available Danny Langtree would drop onto the bench to add much needed aggression and impact once entering the field.
