Widnes welcome Castleford as the Vikings look to continue their charge up the National Championship table
It has been a more than respectable start to the 2026 Championship campaign, following the Vikings promotion from League One last season. The team currently sit comfortably mid table in 7th position having won two out of four league games so far.
A battling defeat to local rivals Warrington in round one was followed by two clinical victories against Salford and Bradford. Last time out the team travelled to Hull KR where the team fell to a 24-10 defeat.
The first half was even as the teams went into the break at 12-10 in Hull KR’s favour, however individual errors and defensive misreads in the second half cost the Vikings as they tasted defeat.
Having had a week off to reflect, the Vikings return to action as they welcome Castleford Tigers in hope of bouncing back to winning ways.
Team news
Head coach Dom Dean stays loyal to the 17 players who suffered defeat to Hull KR last time out. One tactical change has been made as Naoimh Gill-Ward drops to the bench allowing Juliet Porter to slot in at Centre.
Evie Price-Horrocks shuffles from Centre back to her natural position on the Wing.
Back-row Chloe Richardson nears a return to full fitness, whilst other Back-row Codie Slack remains unavailable.
Carraghan Hannon and Samantha Buer continue to work hard to regain a position in the starting team.
The rise of young talent
To compete at Championship level, training standards, playing standards and extras had to improve to ensure the team was prepared for the step up in 2026.
The results speak for themselves with the squad and Dom being rewarded for their commitment and dedication, however the rise and improvement of young stars Lily Wilkinson and Marnie-Lee Kelly has particularly stood out above all.
Both players entered 2026 with a point to prove, wanting to nail down a starting jersey and display they are serious competitors.
Both players attitudes have been second to none in 2026, training the house down and the duos impressive performances on the pitch have been a reflection of their hard work.
Lily a regular interchange Hooker in 2025 has took her game to another level this season. Her presence in defence, overall game management and ball distribution has all significantly improved earning herself the starting Hooker position in recent weeks.
Now developing into an all round Hooker, with her best years ahead of her, Lily has the quality to be one of the stand out players in the Championship for years to come.
Marnie, an all round athlete, was knocking on the door throughout 2025 for a starting position after trialling numerous positions. Again a shining example of applying the correct attitude and application in training, she successfully nailed down a starting Centre slot for the 2026 season.
Her devastating broken field running grabbed the headlines in the Vikings emphatic victory away from home against Bradford Bulls and is an exciting player to watch.
Both girls have had a huge impact on competition for places, pushing senior players to the limit, creating healthy competition within the group.
Castleford Tigers
The visitors have endured a difficult start to the 2026 campaign, currently sitting at the foot of the table. Last time out the Tigers fell to a 28-0 defeat to Oulton Raidette’s.
Prior to that National Championship heavyweights Cardiff Daemons inflicted a 70-0 victory over Castleford and in round one Bradford Bulls secured a 22-8 victory against the Tigers.
Despite the troubling start, Castleford will be targeting a first league victory over a promoted Widnes to get their season up and running.
The National Championship is an unforgiving league and any lapse in concentration will result in defeat. Widnes will have to be back to their best to secure a third victory of the season.
