Home semi-final advantage is on the line as the Vikings travel to Newcastle
It has been a gruelling period for Widnes, who once again travel away from home, this time to take on Newcastle Thunder.
The game will be the Vikings fourth away from home in as many games, yet the prize at the end of this game is a home semi-final and an opportunity to attract a bumper crowd to the DCBL stadium.
Second placed Newcastle Thunder stand in the way of Widnes as they seek revenge for their 30-20 defeat to Widnes in the 1895 Cup Quarter Final.
The man who could be the difference
The class of 2026 is a tough, resilient group, full of heart and determination. Allan Colemans team are certainly a group who give their all under the toughest of circumstances.
Team work and fighting for each other will go a long way to winning this game for Widnes, however one man in particular has been unstoppable in recent weeks and that is Back-row Adam Lawton.
The towering forward is a monumental threat ball in hand close to the try line. Lawton was unstoppable in the Vikings 42-36 home defeat against London Broncos, proving he is amongst the divisions best.
He was also hugely influential in the Vikings victory against Oldham last weekend, bagging himself a brace and the man of the match award.
The Widnes attack is all the better for Lawton’s presence on the field, playing long minutes. Very few will stop Lawton in a one on one situation, an in form Adam Lawton is something for opponents to fear.
If Richardson and Gilmore isolate defenders and feed Lawton the ball close to the try line, the end outcome is almost impossible to stop.
This weeks game is yet another opportunity for Adam to showcase his quality.
Form of Newcastle
Newcastle enter this weeks game off the back of a weeks rest, after securing a top two finish in the league table. Thunder have only fell to three league defeats against Hunslet Dewsbury and North Wales Crusaders.
There is no doubt Newcastle have had a more favourable fixture list this season than others, however their ability to post points and emphatically win games can’t be under estimated.
Numerous talented players like Sam Cook, Bailey Antrobus and Ukuma Ta’ai make up Thunders personnel, which is packed with experience of winning games under the highest of pressure.
Widnes will have to overcome once again a vastly experienced, quality team to book their place in the Championship semi-finals.
One to watch (Will Roberts)
The young Half-back hugely impressed during his loan spell with Widnes last campaign. The former St Helens academy star earned a move to York off the back of his impressive performances during his loan period at Widnes.
Still only 21 years old, Will has made 3 appearances for York this season scoring 2 tries. He has spent the majority of the season playing for Newcastle, playing a key role in the teams success during 2026.
Will has 19 tries in 21 games for Thunder and is influential in moving the team around the field with his outstanding kicking game.
If Newcastle are to run out winners you can almost guarantee Roberts will be at the heart of the victory.
At least one Roberts brother will be awarded a home semi-final at the end of the 80 minutes and the Widnes faithful will hope that it is Max who comes out on top.
