Betts hopes Joe will face Giants
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WIDNES head coach Denis Betts is hopeful half-back Joe Mellor will be fit for the opening game of the Betfred Super League season against Huddersfield Giants on Friday, February 10.
Mellor was withdrawn from the field during the Festive Derby against Warrington in the first half after picking up a knee injury.
The 26 year-old, one of the contenders for the captain’s armband in 2017, is currently sporting a knee brace but Betts isn’t expecting the final assessment to be too damaging.
He said: “Joe’s in a brace at the moment. He’s going to see a specialist and we don’t think it’s too bad. We’re hoping he’ll be ready for the start of the season or at worst a week or two in.
“It’s not nice for Joe but you’d rather have it now than two weeks into the season.”
Another man in the wars in the Warrington match was prop forward Greg Burke who also had to leave the field.
Betts revealed: “He got a smack across his face and broke his nose. His good looks have gone but that was never really a problem for Burkey!”
The Vikings next pre-season friendly sees them take on Halifax at the Select Security Stadium a week on January 15.
Amongst those in contention for a run against the Yorkshire side is utility man Danny Craven.
It appeared Craven would be on the outer in 2017 but he showed some nice touches in the Warrington game, featuring at both full-back and in the halves.
Betts is backing Craven to make a real contribution in the coming campaign.
The Vikings boss said: “I think Danny’s going to be good for us this year.
“He’s in his mid-20s now and he’s got loads of skill which he’s just got to bring to the field.
“He’s played some lower division stuff with Featherstone and Halifax on loan so he has that experience under his belt.
“Now it’s time for him to show up and that needs to start with the pre-season.
“To be honest I’ve been pretty pleased with the way he’s been carrying himself and I’m hopeful he’ll step up to the mark.
“He’s got everything you’d want from a utility player.
“He can play nine, full-back and in the halves and not every player can do those things.
“He’s in the last year of his contract with us so this is his last chance to really impress.”
Some of the Vikings’ overseas players spent the Christmas period at home but Betts confirmed they will all be raring to go against Halifax and the following week in the final warm-up match against St Helens.
He said: “Everybody’s back at work now; some of the lads had a Christmas break. The lads are in full training and we’re moving towards our warm-up games against Halifax and St Helens where the majority of the first team squad will play in both those games.
“Your Chris Houstons, Rhys Hanburys and Corey Thompsons will all be back in the mix.” ● Tickets for the Vikings’ preseason fixture against Halifax went on sale yesterday.
Last year’s corresponding game was a highly-contested 16-16 draw, and Denis Betts’s side will be hoping to get the first win of pre-season under their belts as the 2017 Betfred Super League season edges closer.
2017 Viking Stronghold Mem- bers can take advantage of a huge ticket discount in advance of the game, so ensure to purchase tickets prior to the game to take up this early price.
2017 Viking Stronghold Members seats will also be held for the friendly until 7pm on Friday, January 13.
Advanced price tickets are on sale from 12pm at the Vikings Superstore, located within Tesco Extra, Widnes, or by calling the ticket line on 0151-495 2250. ● 2017 Viking Stronghold Member Advanced Price: Adult £10; Concession £8; Junior £3. Stronghold Members prices available until 5pm on Saturday, January 14. ● General & Match Day Ticket Price: Adult £14; Concession £11; Junior £6. ● Executive seating will be available in the Gold and Silver area on a first come first served basis and will include a complimentary carvery meal. ● Executive seating prices are as follows: Exec Seating – 2017 Viking Stronghold Member Price: Adult £20; Concession £15; Junior £10. Exec Seating – General Ticket Price: Adult £25; Concession £20; Junior £15.