The artificial pitch at the DCBL Stadium has been raised as a possible reason for Widnes’ regular mid-season slump.

Speaking on this week’s Widnes Rugby Chat podcast, leading rugby league journalist Matt Shaw posed the question whether the surface is leading to greater wear and tear and fatigue on the Vikings squads year in year out.

It could provide some explanation as to why the same issues are occurring despite changing coach and players, with the pitch one of the few common denominators.

Trio ruled out for season through injury

As well as the slump, that has seen just two wins in eight games, Widnes have now lost three players – Nick Gregson, Danny Langtree and Ollie Brookes – through injury for the rest of the season, which may have some of the best UK bookies considering their odds of Widnes reaching the play-offs. At one point, Widnes had gone as high as third favourites to win the Championship this season after their early season form.

We have speculated recently how much of an impact the May 1st anti-tampering deadline has had on Widnes, though Shaw rightly pointed out that key men Jack Owens, Tom Gilmore and Jordan Johnstone have already been tied down for 2025 and beyond.

Shaw said: “You could argue they should wait longer to do their business, but let’s say they had, they wouldn’t have got Jake Maizen (for next season). So it’s a balancing act.

“Is it an injury thing? There is a lot said about playing on artificial surfaces. And Widnes do get more wear and tear generally, even if it’s injuries we don’t know about, that catch up with them.”

As well as losing three for the rest of the season, Widnes are still without centres Matt Fleming and Joe Edge through injury, while Liam Bent and Liam Kirk are still sidelined due to concussion protocols.

More ins and outs

Having lost Kieran Dixon and Ant Walker in recent weeks, after deciding to release both on request, Widnes have also seen Louis Brogan recalled from his loan by Leigh and new loan signing Jordan Williams injured on debut.

Youngsters Max Wood and Lucas Green have been made available by Warrington, joining their team-mate Zac Bardsley-Rowe on dual-registration, alongside St Helens’ Widnes-born prop Brett Bailey.

Despite their arrivals, Widnes have still had to name the injured Jack Owens, Fleming and Edge in their 21-man squad for the trip to Halifax on Sunday.

Widnes have enjoyed some good days at The Shay in recent years, winning 28-26 last season and winning 9-8 in a tense battle in 2022.

Halifax have had a difficult 2024 under new coach Liam Finn, sitting close to the bottom of the Championship table.

Shaw explained: “It’s a team that’s coming to the end of its lifespan. It’s an old team that has delivered some brilliant success over the years, and maybe punched above its weight.

“They’ve got a workmanlike pack but they can get rolled over by the bigger packs and it has remained an issue.

“Halifax are low on numbers at the minute but Widnes are not in great form. History tells me it’s going to be a close game.”

Listen to the latest Widnes Rugby Chat podcast featuring Matt Shaw now.