Key Dewsbury man misses clash as Widnes look to avoid mid season slump
It is yet another away fixture for Allan Coleman’s team as they take on Dewsbury Rams in the first of two back to back games between the two teams.
Widnes enter the game looking to avoid three straight defeats. The absence of Jordan Abdull has cost Widnes in attack, supporters will be hopeful he will make a return to the starting line up after two blunt performances ball in hand.
Meanwhile Dewsbury will feel unfortunate not to be sitting two points above Widnes in the league table. Last time out they lost to bitter rivals Batley 21-20 and prior to that suffered an 18-16 defeat to Sheffield, where the Rams conceded the winning try after the final hooter had sounded.
The Rams will be without talented Loose-forward Danny Addy. The former Super League man joined Dewsbury at the end of March following a move from cash troubled North Wales Crusaders.
The absence will be a boost for Widnes, given the wealth of experience and skill Addy has.
The legendary Paul Sykes also misses the clash, however the pair are the only two notable absences for the Rams.
A win for the Vikings would go a long way to staying in touch with the top four race, however a defeat would see them plumet beneath Dewsbury in the league table.
Attacking spark
Head coach Allan Coleman decided to stay loyal to his losing team at Doncaster making only one forced change for the Barrow fixture. Jack Owens replaced the injured Matt Fleming for the trip to Cumbria.
Despite his loyalty to the group, the Vikings struggled to capitalise on territory especially in the first half.
Jack Owens was a bright spark in the Vikings attack assisting both of the Vikings tries against Barrow. Failing a Jordan Abdull return he should be a strong consideration to play Stand-off.
The Widnes captain needs to enjoy more time on the ball to effect the game on a larger scale for the Vikings.
What ever combinations are given the green light, they will need to post points on the scoreboard to put a resilient Dewsbury under pressure.
One to watch (Craig McShane)
The talented Full-back only as recent as 2025 decided to step up to the professional game. Known for his game management and leadership, Craig won the National Conference premiership three times in a row with Hunslet Parkside.
Craig was also a regular feature in the England community Lions set up before stepping up to the professional game.
Throughout his career, he has had numerous opportunities to step up to the professional ranks but only in 2025 circumstances aligned for him to make the move.
Sunday’s clash arguably is the most high profile game Craig will have played in terms of opposition and he will be relishing the challenge testing his ability against a wounded Widnes.
Quiz
