Betts won’t rush players back from injury

Widnes coach Denis Betts says he won’t be rushed in to bringing back key players from injury.

The Vikings have been without star signing Kevin Brown for all but 60 minutes of the new campaign, while starting centres Stefan Marsh and Cameron Phelps have also been missing through injury.

Experienced full-back Shaun Briscoe has endured an injury-hit 18 months at the Stobart Stadium, and he too hasn’t been rushed back in to the starting line-up, having sat out the defeat at Wigan last weekend despite being named in the 19-man squad.

After two hammerings at the hands of the Warriors and Catalan, Widnes face a tough Easter weekend with games against Warrington and Huddersfield.

Betts said: “On the injury front, even though he’ll be absent for Warrington and Huddersfield, we’re hoping to have Kevin Brown back in contention shortly after the Easter Period, as he is now near to a return to the squad. 

“Also, Stefan Marsh and Cameron Phelps are not so far away from full fitness, so should be playing as soon as they possibly can, but we won’t rush anybody back for the sake of it until they’re absolutely good to go.

“Collectively, we’re all really positive that a currently strong side will grow into a more established and resolute outfit with these vital ingredients returning to the fold.”

One player who will be definitely returning to action for Widnes this weekend is back-rower Gareth Hock.

The England international missed the defeat in France through suspension, and sat out the loss against parent club Wigan due to an agreement in his loan deal.