Widnes Vikings fans have an exciting season to look forward to as Super League expands to 14 teams for the 2026 season, with the Vikings taking part in an expanded Championship competition. Coached by Allan Coleman and captained by Jack Owens, the team will be hoping to emulate the success achieved in the late 1980s.
There are still a few months before the league is set to kick off, and fans will be keeping an eye on the betting odds as soon as they are available to get an idea of who the experts see as the favourite for the season. Fans will be able to explore a selection of licensed bookmakers for outright betting, match betting, and other exciting markets, while non Gamstop UK betting sites can offer greater access and are known for their deals and competitive odds.
Fans will want to run the rule over the team, including preseason performances and additions or departures that could affect how they perform. Allan Coleman will want his squad to channel the energy and courage of previous club legends if they are to stand a chance, with the following leading the way as prime examples.
Mal Aspey
Between 1964 and 1980, Mal Aspey played 575 games for Widnes and holds the club’s record for the most tries in a career, with 236. His incredible loyalty saw him make 575 appearances for the club, second only to Keith Elwell, featuring as left and right centre.
During his time at Widnes, Aspey helped the team to 2 Challenge Cup victories in 1975 and 1979, a First Division championship in 1978, a Premiership championship in 1980, as well as a selection of other personal triumphs. In July of 2025, Aspey was inducted into the Widnes Vikings Hall of Fame as a tribute to everything he achieved for the club.
Martin Offiah
For a spell in the 1990s, Martin “Chariots” Offiah was one of the hottest names in Rugby, playing both Rugby League and Rugby Union and representing England and Great Britain. The winger’s blistering pace made him one of the most exciting talents in the game, and he started his career with Widness, playing 145 games between 1987 and 1991.
Despite playing slightly more games for Wigan, he still managed an incredible 181 tries for Widnes, helping the club to 2 First Division championships in 1988 and 1989, and 3 Premiership titles in 1988, 1989, and 1990. Offiah has already been inducted into the Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Wigan Hall of Fame in 2016, with many expecting a similar accolade with Widnes to follow at some point in the future.
Mick Adams
Mick Adams was the hometown boy who lived the dream by making 415 appearances for Widnes between 1971 and 1984. Playing as a second-row and loose forward for the club, he was part of the 1078 RFL Championship-winning side, and also helped the team to Premiership victories in 1980, 1982, and 1983, as well as a wonderful array of Challenge Cup, League Cup, and Lancashire Cup wins.
Adams’ quality did not go unnoticed, making 6 appearances for England, 13 for Great Britain, and 12 for Lancashire. The former Widnes Captain sadly passed away at the age of 65 in 2017. He had been living in Australia after emigrating to the country following his 1984 retirement.
Keith Elwell
Keith Elwell’s Widness career stretched from 1970 to 1986, and his 591 appearances in that time are a club record. The hooker also holds the world record for the most consecutive rugby league games, having played in 239 consecutive matches between May 5th, 1977, and September 5th, 1982.
As the club’s record appearance maker, it will come as no surprise that Keith Elwell joins Mal Aspey in the club’s Hall of Fame. Aspey’s incredible endurance during his Widnes career saw him help the club secure the 1977-78 RFL Championship, 3 Premiership titles between 1980, 1982, and 1983.
Jonathan Davies
Jonathan Davies, OBE, enjoyed a successful spell at Widnes between 1989 and 1993 as a fullback, wing, centre, and five-eighth. The Wales international also featured for Great Britain, and like Martin Offiah, also enjoyed an impressive rugby union career as a fly-half.
He became a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1995 for services to rugby and was promoted from MBE to OBE in 2015, being recognised for his charitable services.
With such a rich history of legendary players, there is plenty of inspiration for the current crop to step up and ensure their names go down in history.
