Widnes look to make it five back to back victories, as they welcome Hunslet to the DCBL stadium
Goole was the latest victims of the blistering form of Widnes, as Allan Coleman’s men cruised to a 54-24 victory last weekend. Widnes piled the points on early doors and at one stage was 34-0 ahead after just 34 minutes.
The Vikings scoring power eased off in the later stages of the match, but the result was enough to send Widnes into second place in the Championship table before this weekends round of fixtures.
The result came at a small cost with Joe Edge leaving the action early, tweaking his Hamstring once more. Morgan McWhirter also left the field with a pulled Calf.
Both players are expected to miss this weekends action against Hunslet.
Coleman’s selection dilemma
With the absence of Joe Edge, a spot in the back line is up for grabs. Captain Jack Owens has been left out of the match day squad for two consecutive games, despite being praised by his coach mid week for his attitude and training standards.
It is expected Ryan Ince will return to the team after being given a weeks rest by Coleman. Jumah Sambou is also likely to start the match after impressing in his loan period for Widnes.
Matt Fleming continued his blistering form bagging a hat-trick against Goole, this time on the Wing. Again it is unlikely he will be dislodged due to his recent form.
It looks to be a straight shootout between Mike Butt and Jack Owens for the last position in the back line.
How Hunslet shape up
The visitors have had a relatively poor start to the season, only securing one win from a possible four matches. They have fell to defeats against Sheffield Eagles, Salford and Dewsbury Rams.
Their form over the last two games is much improved, as they secured a convincing 42-6 away victory over Rochdale Hornets and then fell to a narrow 24-16 defeat to Sheffield Eagles in their latest game.
Buretta Faraimo and Isaac Miskey was crucial in both performances for Hunslet, with Faraimo scoring 4 tries against Rochdale, however only Faraimo will feature against Widnes.
Coach Kyle Trout has secured the services of Ben Littlewood, Presley Cassell, Matty Laidlaw and Tom Nicholson-Watton on loan from Leeds to bolster Hunslet’s depleted squad. Trout confirmed midweek he only had 16 fit players of his own to select from.
Former Halifax Winger and Centre Charlie Graham will be in the mix to play alongside experienced forward Eddie Battye and Half-back Lee Gaskell.
One to watch (Billy Jowitt)
This weeks one to watch is Hunslet Full-back Billy Jowitt. The former Bradford Bulls man played exceptionally well in the 40-12 away defeat to Widnes at the end of last season.
Jowitt is a smart Rugby player who can play at Half-back and Centre equally well. He is capable of unpicking defences with his Rugby brain and is a try scoring threat from out the back.
Despite playing in a beaten team most weeks last year he was a class above most in his team last year and is certainly a player who is capable of playing at a higher level.
Numerous Championship teams registered interest in Jowitt, however he chose to stay loyal to Hunslet, the club who gave him an opportunity after a serious injury.
It is understood Widnes are a long term admirer of the versatile Full-back, and he was once a player of interest to the club.
