Widnes coach Simon Finnigan has virtually a fully-fit squad to choose from, with just Logan Tomkins and Lee Jewitt now left on the treatment table.
With young back-rower Josh Wilde returning to training this week, it’s the first time this season that Widnes have had such depth available to them, and the strength of the bench was evident in the comfortable win over Whitehaven last weekend.
Tomkins has not featured all year, having been unable to join up for pre-season training due to a foot injury, while Jewitt has only played a handful of minutes since arriving from Barrow.
Finnigan said: “He’s still a few weeks off. I’m not sure when we’ll get him back, as he’s got a bit of trouble with his knees and we’ve just got to manage that and see how we can get him back on the field.
“It’s not too dissimilar to Logan where we’ve got to make sure he’s right before we can push him.
“Logan’s still a fair way off. He is the type of character that will be doing everything possible to get on the field, and our medical team are working hard to do that as well.
“I’d be shocked if we don’t see him, I just can’t say when. I would be disappointed if we didn’t get him on the field this year.”
Tomkins’ absence has been partially neutralised by the form of Wigan loanee Brad O’Neill, who has become first choice hooker and playing long minutes.
Finnigan added: “Brad’s been excellent for us.
“He’s a young kid, 19, and it’s clear we can see what he can do on the field, but there’s a lot of stuff behind the scenes that he’s really stepping up and having a voice in which is very pleasing.”
