Owens training the house down as competition for places is as strong as ever
It has been a magnificent start for Widnes and Allan Coleman, who currently sit second in the Championship table. Wins against North Wales Crusaders, Workington Town, Oldham and Goole Vikings have placed a marker down in the league campaign.
In a recent interview, Coleman praised his strength and depth in the outside backs, highlighting some tough calls have been made to pick his match day 17 man squad.
When questioned on the absence of Jack Owens from the previous two fixtures, Coleman added “we have to be honest as the day is long, I feel Joe Edge is the best Centre in the competition on his day and Matt Fleming is inform.”
“Jack being the total professional he is and the captain and leader of this club understood that, he is no fool and he totally agreed.”
“He said to me, it is down to himself to get his place back into the team and he will fight to do that, which he is.”
“He is training the house down and potentially there is an opportunity arising again, I know when the opportunity comes he will jump at it with both hands, we have to keep it competitive.”
“We have to keep it real, we have to do it where people understand decisions and we have a good group.”
Coleman also confirmed Ryan Ince was rested after two marvellous performances against Workington and Oldham. Jumah Sambou was selected in his preferred Centre position to give the robust Centre an opportunity to showcase his talent from his natural position.
Post match Coleman also confirmed concerns over a reoccurring Hamstring injury for Joe Edge. It is unlikely he will make a return for the Hunslet match this Sunday, meaning an opportunity presents itself potentially for Jack Owens to earn his place back.
An alternative option is Ryan Ince slotting back in on the Wing and Matt Fleming returning to Centre.
It will remain to be seen what option Coleman selects, but one thing is for sure he has plenty of options at his disposal and his squad are reacting to the challenge of competition for places.
