The Vikings fight for National Championship safety continues as Widnes travel to Cheshire rivals Warrington
Three games remain in the National Championship campaign, including this weeks Cheshire derby against Warrington Wolves.
A structure change within the divisions has resulted in three teams suffering relegation at the end of 2026 from the National Championship, last season no teams suffered relegation from the National Championship.
The changes have fell awkwardly for Widnes as the group must finish above three teams to guarantee Championship safety in their debut season.
Widnes currently sit two points above the relegation zone with a 286 superior goal difference to Castleford Tigers, who hold the third and final relegation position.
The Vikings defensive resilience against the top teams in the division, and their scoring power against relegation rivals puts them in pole position to avoid the relegation zone come the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Team News
Dom Dean makes two changes to his 17 player match day squad. Becky Webb drops out of the squad after sustaining a minor Shoulder injury in the defeat against London Broncos last weekend.
Becky is replaced by new recruit Tina Millan who makes her second appearance for Widnes following a try scoring debut against Hull FC.
Simone Hart also drops out of the squad and is replaced by versatile Carraghan Hannon, who will add some impact off the Vikings interchange bench.
Chloe Richardson returns to her favoured position in the Back-row, whilst Vickie Grace is promoted from the bench to partner Hannah Whitehead in the Front-row.
Last time out and the challenge ahead
The two teams met in round one of the National Championship following Warrington’s relegation from Super League and the promotion of Widnes from League One.
It was a huge challenge early in the Vikings 2026 campaign, who battled bravely in a 24-8 defeat. Widnes defended bravely, created problems in good ball areas and displayed the first indication that the Vikings can continue to develop as a club at this level.
Arguably this game set the seasons blue print for Widnes, who so far have remained competitive against all the current top teams and will look to repeat the same this weekend.
Since the last time the two teams met, Warrington suffered an 18-10 Challenge Shield Final defeat to Manchester Swinton Lionesses, who remain unbeaten table toppers in the 2026 National Championship.
The Wolves also played Manchester in the league format and suffered an agonising 22-18 defeat back in June. Both results indicate that this Warrington team will be competing for major honours come the beginning of the play-offs.
Sunday provides Widnes with another monumental challenge, set completion and line speed will be crucial if the Vikings are to wound the Wolves.
