The loan market stings Widnes once more as the Vikings prepare for battle against table toppers London Broncos
It has been a positive couple of weeks for Widnes, who enter this weeks game against London off the back of a 52-8 victory over Salford RLFC last Friday night.
The Vikings are unbeaten in their last four matches, picking up victories against Goole Vikings, North Wales Crusaders, Barrow Raiders and most recently Salford RLFC.
Their recent run of form includes breaking the clubs all time largest victory margin against North Wales Crusaders, and claiming a much needed scalp over play-off rivals Barrow Raiders.
The Vikings have faced criticism over their form against the Championships top teams in recent weeks. A victory over Barrow was a crucial one for confidence and belief that the Vikings can compete with the divisions best come the seasons end.
Untouchable London
Challenges for Widnes don’t come much bigger than this weeks visiting team. The Broncos are currently 19 games unbeaten in the Championship and are a strong case for the best ever Championship team.
London have posted 1229 points and only conceded 190, working out as an average of 10 points conceded per game.
The team closest to defeating London was Oldham RLFC who escaped the capital with a 25-8 defeat.
In usual circumstances this result would be classed as a comprehensive loss, however in comparison to other teams defeats this season, it was a rather respectable defeat.
Widnes team news
Loan signings Jack Billington and Andy Badrock both have been recalled by their parent clubs, with Billington featuring off the bench in Huddersfield’s 22-16 victory over Hull FC.
Billington will now serve a 3 match suspension after being sanctioned by the disciplinary panel against Salford. As things stand his next potential outing for Widnes will be the 1895 Cup Final against London.
Badrock also featured for his parent club Leigh this week in their 20-8 defeat against local rivals Wigan.
Joe Edge returns to the matchday squad replacing Jack Owens, who begins to serve his 2 match suspension for late contact on the attacker during the Barrow Raiders fixture. He will be in contention to make a return against Workington Town.
Max Roberts is expected to replace Andy Badrock on his return to the match day squad, whilst Joe Lyons makes a return to fitness, however is unlikely to feature.
Ryan Ince is also back in contention to make a return on the Wing.
How London shape up
The most notable absence for London is devastating Full-back Morea Morea, who has terrorised Championship defences all season.
The PNG international in all competitions has a staggering 29 tries in 17 appearances for London this season and thankfully is a player Widnes will not have to worry about on Sunday afternoon.
James Meadows is likely to continue at Full-back, however Alex Walker is another option for the Broncos at the back.
Winger Liam Tindall is also absent from Jason Demetriou’s match day squad. The Wing positions are likely going to be taken up by towering Neil Tchamambe and Elliot Wallis.
Devastating runner Finley Glare will continue duties at Hooker in the absence of Sam Davis. Sadiq Adebiyi also returns to fitness and is in contention to make a return to the starting 17 man squad.
One to watch (Gairo Voro)
This weeks one to watch is scintillating Stand-off Gairo Voro. The PNG international has terrorised Championship defences, scoring in all competitions 30 tries in 24 appearances.
Pace, power and pass selection are all dangerous traits of the Stand-off and he will no doubt feel the fast artificial playing surface at Widnes will suit his game.
Still only 23, Voro has been heavily linked with a move back to the NRL, highlighting the pedigree of the player.
If Widnes are to limit damage defensively, ruck speeds must be slowed down as much as possible to reduce Voro’s time on the ball in space.
The issue is if Widnes successfully contain Voro, their are 12 other players on the pitch at the same time, who have very similar capabilities to punish the Vikings defence.
Make no mistake about it, this is a mammoth task ahead of the Vikings who’s season will not be defined by this performance or result.
