Widnes welcome a strong Barrow Raiders team in what is a crucial evening in the Vikings season
Widnes look to prove their critics wrong as the Vikings search for a crucial victory over Barrow Raiders. A win for Widnes would see them leap above the Raiders in the league table on points difference, regaining their place in the top four.
Heavy criticism has been directed at the Vikings following their back to back defeats against Oldham and Doncaster, with many supporters questioning the teams ability to beat clubs towards the top of the Championship table.
Currently Widnes have claimed two Championship victories out of a possible seven matches against the top seven teams. Victories come in the shape of an 18-12 away victory over Oldham and an 16-12 home win against Sheffield Eagles.
Widnes have also picked up a 30-20 1895 Cup victory over Newcastle Thunder, who sit second in the Championship table, however the two teams do not meet in the regular rounds of the league campaign.
A victory for Widnes would install some belief that the team can transform into a genuine contender to reach the final stages of the play off campaign.
It is crucial Widnes regain their place in the top four and enter the final stages of the season with some much needed confidence and momentum behind them.
Widnes team news
The Vikings welcome back Ryan Ince and Jack Billington into their matchday squad to take on Barrow Raiders. Both players was given the week off in the Vikings record breaking 116-6 over North Wales Crusaders and are set to feature this weekend.
Joe Edge remains side-lined following a minor injury sustained against Hunslet, whilst Liam Bent faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines with a serious leg injury.
Jordan Johnstone is set to make a return to action, whilst Morgan McWhirter remains a doubt and will be assessed in the build up to the game.
Barrow squad news
The Raiders enter the game off the back of a disappointing 30-6 home defeat against Newcastle Thunder, ending the clubs six game unbeaten run.
Despite last weeks disappointment, Barrow are boosted by the return of former Raiders fan favourite Ellis Gillam on loan from Toulouse Olympique for the rest of the Championship season.
Widnes are long term admirers of the durable forward and offered him a deal for the rest of the 2026 season, however it was Barrow who secured his services for the remainder of the year. He comes straight into contention for Saturdays action.
Veteran Back-row Jarrad Stack makes a return to the match day 21 man squad, whilst Hooker Josh Wood is in contention to make a return to action. Half-back Ellis archer also returns to Paul Crarey’s 21 matchday squad.
Winger Andrew Bulman and Back-row Matt Costello drop out of the squad, whilst Hooker Tom Forber was recalled from his loan spell to take up a playing opportunity at Oldham closer to home.
Speed merchant Tee Ritson remains side-lined for the rest of the Championship season.
Giant Raiders pack
If the Vikings are to escape victorious an extremely dangerous forward pack will have to be tamed.
Star man Ryan King has a history of causing the Vikings all sorts of problems, whilst Greg Richards, Joe Bullock and Brad Singleton provide a wealth of Super League experience.
Ellis Gillam will provide long minutes in the middle for Barrow whilst Charlie Emslie and Ellis Robson will produce durable performances if selected. Harvey Makin will add an abundance of aggression to Barrows performance if he makes selection.
The depth in the pack is an embarrassment of riches for Barrow and on paper it is one of the strongest packs in the Championship this season.
A strong kicking game and a desire to give the ball some width for Widnes is a must to fatigue the Barrow pack. Quick ruck speeds and a fast tempo to the game is a non negotiable if Widnes are to escape victorious.
