Widnes travel to Barrow looking to avoid two consecutive league defeats
It doesn’t get much easier for Widnes as they take on 5th placed Barrow Raiders on Good Friday. A victory is crucial for Allan Coleman’s team who currently sit 7th in the Championship table after suffering a disappointing 28-12 defeat to Doncaster last time out.
One on one defensive efforts cost Widnes, as the Vikings struggled to contain the Doncaster forward pack.
This weekend’s clash in Cumbria is a crucial one for Allan Coleman and his team. A victory could lift Widnes to as high as third and as low as fifth, whilst a defeat could leave the Vikings as far down as ninth in the League table.
Key personnel missed
The absence of Jordan Abdull’s kicking game was felt throughout the defeat last time out, as Widnes struggled to gain field position deep in Doncaster’s half of the field.
The game highlighted the importance and influence of Abdull in this Widnes team, with his positive contributions ball in hand outweighing his defensive frailties.
Max Roberts is another player who will count himself unlucky to miss out on selection last week. His energy and ability to generate quick play the balls was missed by the Vikings.
It is likely both players will return to action this Sunday as the playing group look to avoid back to back league defeats.
Joe Edge is also in contention to make a return to action. The powerful Centre is key out of back field for Widnes and has been praised as the best Centre in the competition on his day in recent weeks by head coach Allan Coleman.
His return would be timely on an away ground he picked up the man of the match award last season.
One to watch (Ryan King)
An unorthodox middle, King has caused the Vikings endless amount of problems in previous games stretching back to his time at Whitehaven.
The Australian has become one of the Championship top forwards with his ability to mix up his physical playing style with his ball playing ability.
King will relish the challenge coming up against players like Dan Murray and Jay Chapelhow, who will have to be on top form all afternoon.
His offloading game gets Barrow on the front foot, something the Vikings will need to limit if they are to escape Cumbria victorious.
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