Widnes Vikings head back on the road in search of a second victory this season at the South Leeds Stadium
Widnes head to Hunslet in search of putting an end to 4 games without a win. On their previous visit Widnes scraped past the hosts 26-28 in a close fought contest. The Vikings have found points hard to come by in recent weeks, however the previous visit to Hunslet saw Widnes score the most points they have scored in a league match this season.
After securing his new 2 year deal staring front rower Dan Murray spoke about the challenge ahead saying “They are a team that never go away, they are a tough hard driving team, they have tough outside back to handle, its going to be a test where we need to perform and build on the positives from York.”
As for Hunslet they enter action coming off the bye weekend. Their previous league outing saw them bag an impressive 24-28 win at Batley a stadium Widnes failed to win at earlier in the season.
Speaking ahead of the clash head coach Dean Muir said “this Widnes team are really well coached, they don’t make many errors and put you in areas of the pitch you don’t want to be in, we need to be ready and to match that Allan will have his troops chomping at the bit.”
Widnes injury update
Widnes enter the fixture with a much more positive injury update than originally expected. Hooker Matty Fozard was cleared of a suspected broken hand, meanwhile Jordan Johnstone is in line to make his first appearance of the season.
Josh Hodson looks to make his second appearance of the season, the loanee will look to build on a solid debut for the Vikings hoping to get more early ball to challenge the Hunslet defence out wide.
Liam Kirk has recovered from his illness, meanwhile new recruit Lewis Hall is now out of a protective boot with the aim of returning to action mid June.
Matt Fleming misses out as he recovers from a hamstring injury, whilst Dec Patton is ruled out indefinitely with an ankle injury. Max Roberts will remain out for several weeks following fears over an MCL injury, fortunately the injury isn’t as bad as first thought and is just a sprain.
How Hunslet shape up
Since the Vikings previous visit star man Noah Booth has been recalled by parent club Hull KR, the young athletic Centre caused Widnes a world of problems racing the length of the field last time the sides met.
Experienced Second Rower Kevin Larroyer misses the action after sustaining an injury in Hunslet’s last victory at Batley, whilst Half-back general Matty Beharrell remains side-lined.
In more positive news for the home side they welcome back Australian Hooker Kobe Rugless and utility forward Ross Whitmore which is a much needed boost for Dean Muirs men.
Brad Clavering also returns adding more depth to the forward pack.
Former Super League duo Lee Gaskell and Greg Eden both are available for selection for Dean Muir.
One to watch
Australian Half-back Lachlan Hanneghan arrived at the South Leeds Stadium having made the move from Cumbrian side Whitehaven. Hunslet fought off many a Championship team to secure the services of the 25 year old.
Since arriving he has had a real impact for Hunslet possessing a running threat bagging himself 6 tries in 9 appearances including a hat trick when the teams last met.
Arguably the best player on the pitch on the day Hanneghan is a constant threat ball in hand often taking the ball deep into the line and unleashing his wide range of passing ability to put his outside backs into space.
Shutting down his thinking time and time on the ball will go a long way to help the Vikings claim a needed victory to get their quest for a play off spot back on track.
Previous 5 meetings
Fixtures between the two clubs have been few and far between since 2001 the teams have only met on five occasions with the Vikings winning four of the matches. The last two visits to Hunslet have saw Widnes win by just 2 points on both occasions.
- Hunslet 26 – 28 Widnes – 2nd March 2025
- Hunslet 22 – 24 Widnes – 3rd July 2011
- Widnes 10 – 18 Hunslet – 20th March 2011
- Hunslet 4 – 42 Widnes – 1st July 2001
- Widnes 64 – 4 Hunslet – 1st April 2001
Trivia
Since 1896 the teams have met on 71 occasions with the Vikings claiming 40 of the wins compared to Hunslet’s 31.
The most points scored by a player in the fixture was back in 2001 when Craig Weston bagged 18 points in a 4-42 victory away from home for the Vikings.
John Basnett in 1981 holds the record for the most tries in a fixture between the two helping himself to 5 tries in a 8-44 victory for Widnes. Richie Eyres (Widnes) Mal Graham (Hunslet) Lachlan Hanneghan (Hunslet) all boast hat tricks in the fixture.
Widnes hold the longest winning streak between the two teams claiming 10 victories on the spin. The winning run stretched from 13th November 1977 to 10th April 1988. The winning run lasted 11 years for Widnes.
