CHASE IS ON AGAIN AFTER PITCH BATTLE

RANGI CHASE has found home comforts in an unlikely place as he rebuilds his career at Widnes.

The former Man of Steel is on loan at the Vikings until the end of season after leaving Castleford following two off-field incidents.

Chase has helped Denis Betts’ side win consecutive home games since his arrival – and says he has been won round by the club’s artificial iPitch ahead of tonight’s bottom-two clash with former club Leigh Centurions.

Chase said: “I used to hate coming here when I was playing for the away team. All week I’d be worrying about playing on this pitch and trying not to get tackled. But now I like it, I’m not worried.

“After the first few training sessions I could hardly move because I wasn’t used to the surface, but my body has got used to it. It’s something we should use in our favour because I don’t think many people like coming here.”

Chase played just five games for the Centurions last year before taking time out of the sport to deal with depression.

A return to Castleford helped him “fall in love with the game again” and now he is keen to earn an extended stay at Widnes.

He added: “Leigh were awesome with me and I’m looking forward to playing against some old team-mates. It’s not that long ago I stepped away from the game and was in a bad place mentally but I’ve come through that.

“Hopefully I can sort something out with the club. I’m happy and I’ve spoken to Denis Betts (above) and he’s happy to keep me.”

Warrington coach Tony Smith believes full-back Stefan Ratchford has been harshly treated after receiving a one-match ban for tripping Wigan’s Sam Tomkins. Smith said: “I don’t think Stef intentionally tripped Sam. In 11 years that was his first time in front of the judiciary. Some regular offenders go along for some pretty cynical stuff and pick up a week or two’s ban.”