Page 44 - Rugby League World (February 2020)

WIDNES VIKINGS

RLW PREDICTS: 5th

Widnes fans have become used to the of gifted young players headed by prop Owen
rollercoaster ride that supporting the club Farnworth and three-quarter Jayden Hatton
involves in recent years - and in many ways pushing to impress, there are now hopes that
their close season has been a microcosm of the Vikings can mount a genuine play-off
that. push, despite spending less than their rivals.
It started with promise, as coach Kieron Purtill They will probably need some luck with injuries
looked to oversee a move from a full-time for that to happen, and perhaps lack an old
to part-time squad, integrating the Vikings’ head in the forwards up front at the moment.
rich pool of talented youngsters into the first But Sheens is relishing the challenge of
team. restoring this famous club’s fortunes
But Purtill’s sudden and unexpected and appears to have lost none of his raw
departure to Hull FC threw a spanner in the enthusiasm for coaching.
works, and with rival clubs quickly assembling He has been buoyed by the depth of young
impressive squads, another air of uncertainty talent at the club - watch out for both
descended on the club. halfback Jacob Dugdale and prop Calum
But another high was just around the corner. O’Neill if they get a chance in the first team.
Landing a World Cup and NRL Grand Final- Of the other new signings, Warrington
winning coach would have been beyond just front rower Pat Moran knows all about the
about every Viking supporter’s dreams, but Championship through dual registration
that’s exactly what happened with the arrival spells at Rochdale and Sheffield and looks
of Tim Sheens. well placed to kick on with his career.
In the ensuing weeks, Sheens added 2019 The presence of a reserve team should
Super League Grand Finalist Logan Tomkins also help with competition for places at the
and multiple trophy winner Matty Smith to club, although there is a limited number with
his ranks for the upcoming season - and extensive experience at this level.
suddenly everything looked a lot rosier in the There will probably be more highs and lows
Widnes garden. ahead for the Vikings faithful, but with
With local heroes Jack Owens and Danny Sheens at the helm, there is the undoubted
Craven still in situ in key positions, and a host potential for progress in 2020.

STAR PLAYER COACH
2020 SQUAD:

1 Jack Owens
2 Jack Johnson
3 Jake Spedding
4 Lloyd Roby
5 Deon Cross
6 Danny Craven
7 Joe Lyons
8 Jay Chapelhow
9 Logan Tomkins Matty Smith provided the Vikings’
10 Ted Chapelhow close season with a major boost when
11 Shane Grady he confirmed his switch to the club in Some might ask why a coach that has lifted
December. World Cups and NRL Grand Finals wants to
12 Sam Wilde
Smith is mirroring the club’s move from full- coach a part-time team in the second tier
13 MacGraff Leuluai
time to part-time player, having won every of the British game approaching his 70th
14 Pat Moran major domestic honour in the game during birthday.
15 Kenny Baker a Super League career that took in stops at “I just enjoy coaching, being out on the field
16 Owen Farnworth St Helens, Crusaders, Salford, Wigan and with a whistle,” Tim Sheens says.
17 Matty Smith Catalans. “I coached Hull KR at Championship level
18 Owen Buckley His game time has been limited in recent when we came up and I’m very proud of that
years which should ensure he’s fresh and achievement.
19 Connor Dwyer
enthusiastic, and his organisational skills “Coaching doesn’t always have to be about
21 Jayden Hatton
and clever kicking game will be invaluable in the major tournaments - you can get just as
22 Liam Cooper
the Championship. much satisfaction from working with young
23 Lewis Else He looks the perfect foil for either Danny players and trying to improve them.”
24 Calum O’Neill Craven or Joe Lyons, and with Logan Widnes have got a stellar coach in Sheens
25 Joe Edge Tomkins also present in an impressive spine, - his vast experience will be priceless in
Widnes should certainly be well set up. 2020.

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