The Vikings return to Championship action after spirited Challenge Cup exit
It is a return to the Championship this weekend for Widnes as they travel to Cumbria to take on Workington Town. Widnes will be full of confidence leading into the clash having pushed Super League Leeds Rhinos all the way in the Challenge Cup third round.
Morgan McWhirter relished life at Loose Forward and Adam Lawton looked to thrive in the Back-row, both players did not look out of place taking on a pack full of Super League talent.
Tom Gilmore is expected to make his long awaited return after recovering from an off season operation. His return is timely to relieve pressure from Jordan Abdull who has pulled the strings in the middle of the pitch in recent weeks.
The experience of Gilmore if selected will hopefully free up space for Abdull, giving the Half-back more time on the ball to exploit the opposition.
Jumah Sambou is also in the mix to make a return to action, however with only a 5 day turn around between games against Workington and Oldham, it is possible the powerful outside back could be given this weekend off.
Nick Gregson is also in contention to play, however he faces an uphill task wrestling his starting position back following impressive performances by Morgan McWhirter and Lewis Hall.
How Workington shape up
The Cumbrians enter the game rather out of form in comparison to the visitors Widnes. Workington was on the receiving end of a cruel 98-2 beating by St Helens in the third round of the Challenge Cup in front of a packed home crowd.
Their league form has been equally troubling falling to a round one 40-0 Championship defeat away at fellow Cumbrian rivals Barrow Raiders.
Round two was also disappointing, again falling to a 20-14 defeat away to Rochdale Hornets. It was a game Workington was expected to win given signing the majority of Cumbria’s top talent with a sprinkling of overseas stars.
With players like Zarrin Galea, Ross Ainley, Lucas Castle and Bear Williams in the squad ranks, their start to the season hasn’t been good enough certainly ball in hand.
One to watch (Zarrin Galea)
The Maltese international shared the 2025 League One player of the year award with former Rochdale Hornets Half-back Lewis Else. The lively Full-back was Workington’s top try scorer last season and has enjoyed life in the UK following his move from Australia.
He arrived on UK shores from Sydney back in April 2024 and despite receiving offers from well established Championship clubs, he chose to sign a 2 year contract extension with Workington at the end of the 2025 season.
The 24 year old is a running threat, who has the capability to create opportunity’s out of nothing. Galea is a strong carrier of the ball and he is the man Workington will look towards to kick start their season.
Workington have struggled to post points on the board due to poor set completion of late. If they are going to turn their fortunes around this has to improve for players like Galea to be effective and apply pressure on Widnes.
