A selection headache for head coach Dom Dean, as Widnes prepare for the first round of the cup

The women’s season is set to get underway this weekend as the team travel to Oldham for their first competitive fixture of 2026. Head coach Dom Dean welcomes back four key players who was unavailable for their final pre-season defeat to Manchester Lionesses.

It has been a tough week for Dom Dean cutting his 21 player squad down to 17 players, however tough calls have been made to name his first team of the season.

Vice captain Jenny Moss makes a return to action slotting in at Back-row, whilst Ellie Reid, Codie Slack and Juliet Porter all make a return adding strength to the interchange bench.

Naoimh Gill-Ward features at Full-back, continuing to cover the injured England Community Lions star Hannah Quirk, who is still nursing an injury sustained in the 2025 League One Grand-Final.

Chloe Richardson makes the move to Centre in hope of providing extra power and leg drive out wide.

Dom Dean also awards a competitive debut to Sam Buer, a new recruit for the 2026 season. Sam’s application has impressed throughout pre-season and her partnership with Chloe Richardson on that side of the field will be a threat all afternoon ball in hand.

For more updates on the Widnes women’s 2026 journey follow them on Tik Tok and Instagram by clicking the links.

Image Credit RL PIX