Widnes welcome Doncaster to the DCBL stadium in hope of securing back to back wins at home in the race for a top six finish
Sunday afternoon marks another crucial afternoon for Allan Coleman and his team. Widnes sit 2 points behind their opponents in the league table and a defeat would leave them with a mountain to climb if they are to salvage a top six finish.
The Vikings have been hit with a long list of injuries in key positions. Captain Jack Owens, Half-Backs Joe Lyons and Tom Gilmore have been ruled out for the rest of the season, all three played a key role in the club securing a 5th place finish last term.
Despite the troubling injury list Widnes are boosted by the return of Dec Patton and Will Roberts. The pair will no doubt link up as Half-Back partners allowing Jordan Johnstone and Matty Fozard to return to their preferred position of Hooker.
Patton’s return is welcomed having missed several months of action, his long kicking game was pivotal in the victories Widnes picked up early doors. His performance against Warrington in the Challenge Cup was impressive, pushing the Super League club all the way.
The other major boost for Coleman is the return of Will Roberts on loan from St Helens. The Youngster had an impressive debut for Widnes in the home victory against Toulouse. For 50 minutes he pulled the strings, steering Widnes around the field controlling the game throughout.
Despite not playing a competitive game together, both will need to click and influence the game if Widnes are to come away with the win.
Last tackle plays will be key ensuring the big Doncaster forward pack are starting sets deep inside their own half. In attack the pair will need to create space for devastating runners Adam Lawton and Ben Condon to work their magic.
Pre match offers
The club have recently linked up with the New Albion in a partnership that has potential to grow. Away supporters will be encouraged to park at the pub and in return home and away supporters will be entitled to 10% off drinks.
The discount will be valid 3 hours before and after kick off to everyone who has a valid matchday ticket.
How Doncaster shape up
Doncaster head into the game off the back of a convincing 38-18 victory in the capital over London Broncos. The previous week they made the trip to Toulouse narrowly losing 12-6.
Providing results go their way, a victory could see Doncaster sit level on points in 6th place. It is a crucial game for both at this stage of the season.
Head coach Richard Horne has welcomed back experienced forward Josh Bowden and youngster Llikaya Mafi to his squad. Both will add plenty of go forward for the Yorkshire club if selected.
Doncaster have experience and size in abundance across the pitch. Players like Pauli Pauli, Suaia Matagi and Reece Lyne will look to exploit the Vikings defence with ball in hand.
One to watch
This weeks one to watch is former PNG international Edene Gebbie. The former Whitehaven man joined Doncaster at the beginning of the 2025 season.
Since his move from Cumbria the 30 year old has been in red hot form scoring 19 tries in just 15 appearances. His try scoring record is staggering given he is playing for a club currently outside the play-offs.
Traditionally his position has been Full-Back in the southern hemisphere but Horne has deployed the powerful outside back on the Wing this season with his decision proving to be the correct one.
Ball in hand he is one of the most devastating broken field runners in the Championship, Widnes will have to be on guard defensively out wide to stop his pace and power before he creates line breaks and try scoring opportunities.
No doubt the spine of Doncaster will try and put the speedster into space at every given opportunity for him to build on his impressive scoring tally.
Despite being such a big threat going forward, he does possess some defensive deficiencies and perhaps could be an area of focus for Widnes to get some attacking joy.
Previous 5 meetings
- Widnes 42-28 Doncaster – April 19th 2013
- Widnes 50-16 Doncaster – February 11th 2024
- Widnes 16-14 Doncaster – May 5th 2024
- Doncaster 30-14 Widnes – September 15th 2024
- Doncaster 22-26 Widnes – March 23rd 2025
Trivia
- Between 1952-2025 their have been 36 games between the two teams. Widnes claimed victory on 30 occasions compared to Doncaster’s 5 Victories. The teams have only shared a draw once back in November 1994.
- Widnes have only suffered one home defeat against Doncaster in their history, this came back in March 2001 with the score finishing 18-10 in Doncaster’s favour.
- Widnes hold the record for the highest score line in a game between the two teams in June 2007. The score finished 90-4 and Gavin Dodd helped himself to 38 points on the day.
