Widnes welcome Halifax, for their first home fixture in 6 weeks
It has been a long period of time since Widnes played in front of their home crowd. During that time, Widnes have enjoyed four away fixtures winning two out of a possible four matches.
The Vikings was comprehensively beaten 28-12 against Doncaster and a narrow 18-8 defeat followed against Barrow on Good Friday. Frustration amongst supporters grew as the Vikings dropped down the league table.
Two back to back games against Dewsbury followed, one in the league and one in the 1895 Cup. Widnes comprehensively won both fixtures 20-10 and 50-10.
The addition of Leon Hayes significantly made a difference to the Vikings attack in the 50-10 1895 cup victory. Allan Coleman’s team looked more slick and clinical ball in hand.
A change in tactics of the attacking play was noticeable for traveling supporters and the blue print of Coleman’s new found quick transition, play what you see attacking philosophy was on display in its early stages.
It was certainly a step in the right direction of a more attacking brand of Rugby League.
Competition for places
After a clinical victory on the road last time out, head coach Allan Coleman has some difficult decisions to make ahead of Sunday’s clash with Halifax Panthers.
Kieran Taylor’s man of the match performance was full of strong yardage carries and impressive touches in attacking areas. Taylor looks a handful close to the line as he staked his claim for a starting Centre position.
Frank Sergent makes a return to fitness after impressing throughout pre-season. Widnes Vikings General Manager Tim Holmes tipped the youngster as one to watch throughout the year.
A start this weekend might come to soon for Frank, however he is well in the mix to put preasure on the Wing positions.
Tom Gilmore dropped to 18th man last weekend due to a minor Hamstring tweak. The experienced Half-back is in the mix to make a return to action this week, but following impressive displays from Joe Lyons and Leon Hayes, he won’t have it all his own way earning his place back in the team.
Some welcomed selection conundrums lie ahead for Coleman to solve, following a difficult four week period.
How Halifax shape up
It has been a turbulent couple of weeks for Halifax following their well documented financial troubles. Despite the game looking in doubt not to long ago, Kyle Eastmond names 19 fit players to take on the Vikings.
Halifax are low on troops, however will be heartened with their spirited 26-20 defeat against high flying Barrow Raiders last weekend.
Delaine Gittens links up with Halifax this week from Workington Town, to add much needed size to the Panthers pack.
Will Brough has been recalled by Leigh Leopards, the son of Danny Brough will not be able to feature against Widnes this weekend.
Although named in the squad, Ben Tibbs remains a doubt following a Hand injury he has sustained. The experienced Centre would be a huge miss for Kyle Eastmond, who’s team severely lacks experience.
Alfie Johnson remains side-lined.
One to watch (Jesse Soric)
The 20 year old, Australian Half-back arrived from Australia at the start of the 2026 season. He has experience playing in the Gold Coast Titans and New Zealand Warriors system.
Known for his organisation skills and pass selection qualities, he will be the man Halifax look towards to unlock the Vikings defence.
Weather forecast’s suggest it is going to be warm conditions, in which case Jesse will look to manage the game from the boot given Halifax are low on forward options.
Conditions favour Widnes with their more dynamic pack and Soric will need to pin the Vikings as deep in their own half as often as possible if the Panthers are to come out winners.
Quiz
