Players return for the Vikings
WIDNES Vikings are set to welcome back a handful of players for Friday’s home clash against the Giants (8pm).
Chris Houston is eligible to make his comeback after serving a two-match suspension and he could be joined by Chris Dean, Jay Chapelhow and Krisnan Inu, who are all set to recover from the slight knocks and illness that ruled them out of the 18-12 deafeat against Wigan Warriors in the last round.
Meanwhile, Ryan Ince, who was one of the stars of the 2017 season, with six tries in 12 appearances, is also edging close to full fitness.
With his sights set on claiming a starting spot on the wing this season, Ince faced the disappointment of missing the early rounds after sustaining an ankle injury in pre-season training.
Having completed his rehabilitation and been training hard in recent weeks to regain matchsharpness, the pacey winger is targeting a return this against the Giants.
The fixture could also see the return of Papua New Guinea powerhouse Wellington Albert, as well as a debut for his brother Stanton.
Vikings haed coach Denis Betts said: “It’s been a bit of a frustrating time in recent weeks with injuries, as we’ve lost a number of players due to knocks or illnesses.
“Having players sat in the stand who offer real strength, creativity or power is always challenging, so the physio team have been working hard to get them back on the field as soon as possible.
“Thankfully, it looks like we’re going to turn a corner this week and will have several senior players back in contention for selection.
“We’re looking to put the disappointment of Friday’s result against Wigan behind us and to deliver the type of performances that we have given against Leeds Rhinos and Catalans.
“The boys are eager to get back to winning ways and supporters can expect another good contest.” ■■Prop Keegan Hirst has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him at Wakefield until the end of 2019.
The 30-year-old has made 25 appearances for Trinity since joining from Championship side Batley ahead of last season.
Myton Warriors v Kells (2.30), Normanton Knights v Wath Brow Hornets (2.30), Siddal v Hunslet Parkside (2.30), Thatto Heath v West Hull (2.30), Underbank Rangers v Wigan St Pats (2.30), Rochdale Mayfield v Egremont Rangers (4.30). Ovenden v Illingworth, Upton v Sharlston Rovers, Queens v Siddal King Cross Park v West Craven Warriors, Hollinwood v Ovenden A, Cowling Harlequins v Greetland All Rounders Eastmoor Dragons v Wakefield City, Wortley Dragons v Woodhouse Warriors Moorends Thorne v Methley Warriors, Kinsley Hotel Raiders v Doncaster Toll Bar, Dearne Valley Bulldogs v East Leeds, Featherstone Lions v Kippax Welfare Queensbury v Wyke, Moldgreen v
Wigan Warriors v Wakefield Trinity (3.0), Castleford Tigers v Salford Red Devils (3.30)
Dewsbury Rams v Toulouse, Featherstone Rovers v Swinton Lions, Halifax v Leigh Centurions, London Broncos v Batley Bulldogs, Rochdale Hornets v Barrow, Sheffield Eagles v Toronto Wolfpack (all 3.0)
Hemel Stags v Coventry (2.0), Doncaster v Whitehaven (3.0), Hunslet v Crusaders (3.0), Keighley v Bradford Bulls (3.0), Oldham v York (3.0), Workington v South Wales (3.0)