Betts: We need to beat Championship sides

DENIS BETTS accepts Widnes must beat all four Championship sides in the Qualifiers if they are to retain their Super League status.

The Vikings entered the eight-team mini-league as the lowest-ranked side from the top flight after losing their last four games of the regular season.

Last week’s home defeat by Warrington in their Qualifiers opener brought the threat of relegation into sharper focus and left Widnes with little room for error.

“The must-win games are against Championship sides,” said Betts.

“Whether it’s the second or third game, you’ve got to beat the Championship sides. We can’t hide from that fact.

“We know they’re going to be competitive and are striving for something more while we’re trying to protect something. That creates a different kind of focus.

“Ultimately, every single game against a Championship side is a must-win.”

Today’s opponents Halifax were eight minutes away from opening the Qualifiers with a stunning win at Hull KR, while London gave Catalans Dragons a major scare in the south of France.

Betts is under no illusions about how difficult it will be to achieve his target of four wins out of four.

He added: “London are a full-time outfit, Featherstone have got plenty of Super League experience in their group, Halifax have had a taste of it a couple of times and we know Hull KR are basically a Super League side playing in the Championship.

“Ultimately, it’s not about how good the rugby is, it’s about gritting your teeth and surviving.”