Widnes fall four points short of securing one of the biggest Championship upsets in modern Rugby League history
In one of the most unique games Rugby League has witnessed, Widnes travelled to Sheffield only four days prior to taking on London Broncos in the 1895 Cup Final. Due to the scandalous fixture scheduling, head coach Allan Coleman had to rely on the Rugby League community to provide players so Widnes could fulfil the fixture.
The Widnes team that took the field was made up of six players, who had squad numbers at the start of the season, with only Joe Lyons having a starting number. The team also included seven players on loan, three players from the community game and two Widnes under 19’s development players.
Sheffield named an extremely strong team including players like Jordan Abdull, Greg Eden and Kieran Gill, showcasing their intention of posting the maximum amount of points possible.
It looked an uphill task for Widnes, with a club record defeat under threat prior to kick off, yet one of the most determined, backs against the wall performances in the clubs history followed, resulting in Widnes narrowly falling to a 12-8 defeat.
Remarkably the Vikings had their chances to win the game and the Widnes players received an heroes reception departing the field from the travelling supporters for their efforts.
More on the 18 players that took the field
1) Jenson Windley (Castleford Tigers)
The 20 year old Castleford Full-back has made 12 appearances scoring 2 tries for the Tigers. He is considered one of the countries most exciting up and coming Full-backs in the game. Jenson has made loan appearances for Salford and Halifax this season, impressing at both clubs. He was faultless under Jordan Abdull’s high bombs and is arguably in need of finding a long term loan deal at a club to continue his development.
2) Sean Coughlan (Castleford Tigers)
The Sheffield fixture marked Sean’s debut in professional Rugby League. Fast and illusive, Sean was selected for Yorkshires team that took on Lancashire in the academy origin series this season. He is one of Castleford’s most exciting talents and will no doubt get a taste of more first team Rugby League in the Championship next season on loan. Sean’s 70 metre line break in the second half was an insight of his attacking threat.
3) Max Rhodes (Leeds Rhinos)
The athletic Centre is one of the more senior players in the Leeds Rhinos academy and is a product of Heworth. Max was late starting Rugby League only playing the sport for the first time at 14 years old. In 2025 he was recognised by Featherstone Rovers and was invited to complete pre-season with the club. He featured in a friendly against Goole Vikings before returning to the amateur game. Max continued to develop and was quickly spotted by Leeds Rhinos where he hasn’t looked back since.
4) Alfie Lindsey (Castleford Tigers)
Only 19 years old, Alfie made his Super League debut for Castleford Tigers last season. The dynamic Centre has made 2 appearances for Castleford, scoring 1 try. Alfie has made 6 appearances in 2025 on loan at Halifax prior to linking up with Widnes. The Tigers Centre raced 60 metres to touch down for the memorable Vikings try against Sheffield and was unlucky to not finish off another 70 metre break earlier in the game. His contribution on Thursday showcased his talent and is one to watch for the future.
5) Frank Sergent
Frank joined Widnes after departing Warrington Wolves, where he was the reserve teams top try scorer back in 2025. Frank also made 15 appearances on loan at Swinton Lions scoring 5 tries last season, proving he could compete at first team level. The 20 year olds Widnes career started with a set back after he sustained a foot injury keeping him out of action for several months. Now back fit he has made 5 appearances for Widnes, scoring 9 tries. He is hammering Allan Coleman’s door down for a starting jersey for the 2027 season.
6) Joe Lyons
After recovering from injury, Joe returned to action against Sheffield leading from the front, organising the defensive and attacking structure on his side of the field. Including Thursdays game, Joe has made 160 appearances for Widnes, more than double than the rest of the players who took to the field to take on Sheffield combined. His performance on Thursday was a reminder that he still has passion and desire to earn a place in Allan Coleman’s team.
7) Ryan Forshaw (Thatto Heath)
Ryan progressed through Wigan Warriors academy system after being scouted playing for Blackbrook. On his release from Wigan Warriors, Ryan signed for Rochdale Hornets for the 2021 season. His stay at Rochdale was cut short after failing an out of competition urine sample, which lead to a suspension from the professional game for 3 years. After serving his ban, he now applies his trade in the National Conference Premier division for Thatto Heath, where he has become one of the top amateurs in the game. He featured against Widnes in the Challenge Cup earlier this season and his performance Thursday evening has put himself in the shop window for a second chance of earning a professional contract.
8) Morgan McWhirter
Since his arrival to the UK, Morgan has become a firm fans favourite. He returned from injury against Workington last week and was selected to feature against Sheffield for more valuable game time prior to the final. Morgan displayed his leadership and quality in the toughest of circumstances.
9) Aiden Doolan (Castleford Tigers)
The Widnes born Hooker progressed through the clubs scholarship system before making the move to Warrington’s academy. Following the conclusion of the 2023 season, Aiden made the move to Australia linking up with South Sydney Rabbitohs on a trial and train contract. On his return to the UK, Aiden linked up with Widnes on trial, however due to competition for places departed the club after making appearances against Warrington and Batley. Since leaving Widnes Aiden has spend time at Huddersfield and now Castleford where he has made 3 Super League appearances and numerous loan appearances for Championship clubs.
10) Jack Houghton
After making 118 appearances for North Wales Crusaders, Jack linked up with Widnes on a one year deal at the start of the 2026 season. He is a former Widnes academy product, who has added crucial depth to Allan Colemans squad this season. When called upon and Thursday evening was no different as Jack gave his all for the shirt once more.
11) Kieran Taylor
Since joining Widnes at the start of 2026, Kieran had to remain patient before he got his opportunity to impress. Since featuring against Dewsbury away from home, Taylor has not looked back since, improving in each game he has played. Prior to Widnes, Kieran appeared on 66 occasions for North Wales Crusaders, scoring 18 tries during that time.
12) Sam Grice (Castleford Tigers)
The 19 year old was a stand out Thursday evening. His aggression in defence and dynamic carries caught the eye throughout the 80 minutes. Sam is a product of York Acorn and has already made his Welsh debut. Earlier this season he signed a loan deal with Hunslet to gain his first taste of first team club Rugby League. More performances like Thursday will edge himself closer to a debut for Castleford.
13) Lewis Hall
After sustaining an injury against Halifax, it was crucial Hall proved his fitness prior to Monday’s final team selection. In his typical aggressive nature, he lead from the front and demonstrated his ability to kick a ball, something not often displayed whilst at Widnes. He completed the game in emphatic style and has launched himself into Allan Colemans selection headache.
14) Jack Hamer (Leigh Miners Rangers)
The current vice captain of Leigh Miners Rangers is one of the countries most talented amateur players. Jack was originally a product of Leigh East and represented Lancashire under 17’s back in 2017. The 25 year old Hooker left Leigh East to join Leigh Miners Rangers to apply his trade in the National Conference Premier division where he has not looked back since.
15) Layton Jupp (Leigh Leopards)
The big no nonsense forward picked up Leigh’s 2025 academy player of the year. He is a big physical presence and Thursdays impact off the bench was a clear indication that Layton belongs at this level of Rugby. 2027 will no doubt bring loan opportunities for the Leigh man to develop his game further at Championship level.
16) Zak Bennett
The illusive Back-row will go down in history as the first player to make a first team appearance, since the rebirth of the Vikings youth system. Zak joined Widnes after progressing through Warrington’s scholarship system and caught the eye of Danny Durbin and Ste Tyrer immediately. Following his debut, Zak will link up with the first team squad next season, after completing this years pre-season with the first team.
17) Ben Harper
25 year old Ben remarkably only began his Rugby League career at 17 years old, playing for Latchford. He was a natural Rugby League talent and was quickly selected for Lancashire under 19’s as a Winger/Centre. Current Widnes under 19’s development coach Martyn Ellis coached him at Latchford and developed him into a Back-row. After progressing at a rapid rate, Ben made the move to National Conference team Wigan St Patricks.
18) Dec Rigby
The up and coming Hooker was listed as Allan Colemans 18th man, however due to head injuries, Coleman jumped at the chance to activate his 18th man for his first taste of Rugby League. He is a threat from Hooker, who likes to jump from the ruck and is one to watch for the future. Dec was deserving of his heritage number and will look to build on his exposure to first team Rugby next season.
