WARRINGTON v TORONTO FLIPPIN ’ECK!

As a kid promising vault specialist Widdop used gymnastics to help develop his rugby

CASTLEFORD coach Daryl Powell is wary of former Tiger Ryan Hampshire trying to prove a point in the west Yorkshire derby.

Hampshire spent 2016 on loan with Cas, primarily as a winger, but is now looking to establish himself as a playmaker for Trinity.

Powell said: “Being consistent at half-back would be a key one for Rocky [Hampshire]. He’ll be motivated playing there and obviously coming back here as well, so we need to look after him.

“But they have some fair players – both wingers and Bill Tupou is playing out of his skin. We need to play well to win.”

HULL KR coach Tony Smith expects a response from his side after they had their “backsides kicked” at Leeds last weekend.

Rovers crashed 52-10 at Headingley and now face the only unbeaten side in Super League.

Smith said: “It’s not nice but, at the same time, it gives you a kick up the backside and makes you even more determined.

“It hurt but we don’t sulk.

“I’d like to think some of our players who had their least good game this year can bounce back and lead the way this week.”

NOT many rugby league players can cite gymnastics as a factor in their development – but it was an integral part of Gareth Widdop’s childhood. The Warrington marquee signing followed in the footsteps of mum Joanne, who competed across Europe before serious injury curtailed her career. While other kids played football, Widdop (left) supplemented his early rugby progress by competing in the gym and believes it aided his route to the top. He explained: “At school everyone played soccer and a few other different sports but, because I was brought up with gymnastics through my mum, it was normal for me. It might have been unusual but, for me, it was just another avenue to get out and be active. I wasn’t the biggest kid growing up, and gymnastics helped my rugby because it helped me to be agile.

“The vault was my best discipline but, when I got to high-school age, rugby became more important and the path changed for me a bit.”

Warrington have offered juniors at all sports clubs across the town entry for tonight’s clash with Toronto Wolfpack for just £1, and with it the chance to see an old adversary of Widdop’s in Sonny Bill Williams.

Widdop added: “I’ve played against him in the past and he’s likely to be on my side, which is interesting. I’ll look forward to it. He’s a superb athlete and you want to come up against the best.

“After losing at Wakefield on Sunday, our main focus needs to be on our attitude and intent.”