Hanbury’s high hopes for future
WATCHING Hull and Warrington Wolves do battle at Wembley on Saturday, Vikings full-back Rhys Hanbury couldn’t help thinking what might have been – and what might be in the future!
Widnes were narrowly beaten 20-18 at the quarter-final stage of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup by the Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
It was a game that could have gone either way with only a late Kurt Gidley penalty separating the teams in the end.
A victory would have opened a pathway to Wembley for the Vikings – an occasion Hanbury would relish.
He said: “After watching Hull win it, it gives you that feeling it would be great thing to do with Widnes. We weren’t far away this year; we just got done by Warrington.
“We’re moving forward and it would be great to have that feeling of winning at Wembley.
“You never know – there’s always next year.”
Meanwhile, Hanbury’s more immediate priority is tonight’s Super League game at Wigan.
The Vikings have played the Warriors twice this season and enjoyed a first-ever Super League win at The DW Stadium followed by a narrow loss at home.
The Widnes number one believes his side’s forwards hold the key to getting the better of Shaun Wane’s men this time around.
He added: “When we beat them there, our forwards won that game for us.
“They really aimed up and they’ll need to do that again this week.
“If you let Wigan put it over you, they can make it a long day.
“We’ve spoken this week about going back there and putting in a good performance.
“There’s no reason we can’t come away with the win.”
WIDNES have places available on education programmes for 16-18 year olds who are looking for a brighter future.
The Vikings – in partnership with Riverside College – are offer- ing numerous courses including employability and sport as well as highly-coveted Traineeships which will also offer opportunities for work placements, volunteering and various matchday opportunities.
Through the courses, students will also get the opportunity to take part in unique enrichment activities and experiences which are unavailable to most.
Staff are available to discuss opportunities at the stadium or ready to answer any queries by telephone or email.
For more information or to book your place on the course please contact education@widnesvikings.co.uk or telephone 0151-495 2250.