Widnes head to the capital, with their play-off hopes hanging by a thread following a disappointing run of form.
Allan Coleman’s men have just one win in their last seven matches, which has seen them plummet to eighth position in the league table, whilst their points difference has also taken a huge hit leaving them on -61.
The Vikings now sit 3 points behind York in sixth position and four points behind Barrow in fifthth position in the table. A win for Widnes would send them into a crucial run of three consecutive home games with some vital momentum and much needed confidence in their quest for a top six finish.
Star signing Jake Maizen showed glimpses of his quality against Bradford last week, picking up a man of the match performance, and if the Vikings fortunes are to turn he could be the key piece to the puzzle.
Widnes head into the fixture firm favourites despite their recent form. The Vikings have strengthened in recent weeks adding more quality into the starting team.
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London on the other hand have had it tough since their relegation from Super League. They have lost many star players including Emannuel Waine, James Meadows and Oli Leyland, leaving them struggling for experience and form.
The Broncos are a very youthful team this term and despite making mid season signings it is proving to be a struggle. They lack squad depth and the arrival of five youthful loan signings at once is far from ideal in preparation for a game.
Widnes Squad update
It was announced that earlier in the week that Martyn Reilly would depart the club with immediate effect. It seems Martyn was not in the Vikings plans for next season and it was an opportunity to free up much needed funds to bring other targets through the door.
Widnes also saw Brett Bailey exit the club on loan to gain valuable first team experience. It is unknown if the young forward is in the clubs plans moving forward, however it is an ideal opportunity to prove his worth at Championship level.
Despite the immediate departures Widnes welcomed two familiar faces into the club. Firstly welcoming Luke Thomas back to the club on duel registration till the end of the season. Coleman is an admirer of the young aggressive forward after impressing on good Friday against Oldham where he sustained an Elbow injury. He appeared for Warrington reserves last week and will be in contention for the game against London.
Widnes also welcome back Adam Lawton to the club after departing in 2023 for Oldham. The towering forward known for his try scoring ability has 86 appearances for the club and 38 tries. He will no doubt add an attacking threat close to the try line and a different dimension to the Widnes attack.
How London shape up
Italian international Ethan Natoli has returned to the club from Pia. Natoli left the Broncos after two seasons in the capital and played a crucial role in the clubs promotion to Super League against the odds. He will be in line to appear for the Broncos against Widnes Saturday.
London have also snapped up Australian Centre Brandon Webster-Mansfield. The 24 year old also arrives from the French Elite XIII with good pedigree having spent 3 years in the West Tigers system and 1 year in the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Fortunately for Widnes he will not arrive in time to play.
London also welcome five loan signings into the club against the Vikings. Hull KR trio Louis Gorman, Lennie Ellis and Connor Barley join forces with the Broncos.
Leeds Rhinos youngster Jack Smith also links up with London. The 20 year old outside back looks to add depth to Mike Eccles back division. He is also joined by 19 year old Wigan youngster Kalum Rathbone who will provide cover in the middle.
Star forward Lewis Bienek and Australian Half Back Connor O’Beirne will miss the action whilst they recover from injury.
One to watch
Despite Lewis Bienek being a huge miss for the Broncos, Sadiq Adebiyi will be appearing in the pack for London. The robust, no nonsense middle was a product of the London academy.
His impressive performances for the club earned him a Super League deal with Wakefield back in 2022. He departed the club after a season and big spenders Keighley secured his signature for the 2023 season.
The powerful forward returned to London for their return to Super League where he remains today. If London are to upset the Vikings Adebiyi’s experience will be crucial for London. His carries will look to hurt the Vikings in contact hoping it can generate quick ruck speeds for the Broncos to build a platform from.
Previous 5 meetings
The last five meetings between the two teams have been shared fairly evenly. The Vikings have won two, whilst London have won three. The two games Widnes won came in the 2022 season where London narrowly escaped relegation.
- Widnes 22-24 London Broncos – June 13th 2021
- London Broncos 12-34 Widnes – January 30th 2022
- Widnes 26-22 London – June 26th 2022
- Widnes 18-26 London – June 4th 2023
- London 52-12 Widnes – September 10th 2023
Trivia
- Widnes first played London then known as Fulham back in 1981. Widnes legend Reg Bowden was player and coach that day for Fulham.
- Since 1981 there has been 30 matches between the two teams. London have won the majority with 17 wins compared to the Vikings 13.
- Widnes have played London at five different away venues – Craven Cottage, Griffin Park, The Twickenham Stoop, The Hive and The Cherry Record Stadium.
