Houston: Widnes willing to work

Widnes forward Chris Houston says he had low expectations coming into Super League but has been impressed by the Vikings strong work-ethic.

Houston arrived late, missing most of pre-season, because he and his wife were expecting a baby.

The forward landed from the Newcastle Knights in the NRL just before Widnes’ opener against Wakefield.

“I didn’t really have too much expectations coming in just because I was unfamiliar with the competition, and to be honest unfamiliar with a lot of the team because of the situation I was in I couldn’t come until the week leading into round one,” Houston explained to Love Rugby League.

“Even though I’d been here before Christmas to meet the coach, I was keeping a close eye on it. But it was hard for me to get a gauge on the squad and what we were capable of.

“But within the first week I knew we just had a team that’s willing to work for each other and that’s probably 90% of the battle.”

The Vikings have made a fast start to 2016 and have lost just one game.

Houston has been a solid contributor averaging 25 tackles, 14 carries and 100 metres per match.

The 31-year old set up two tries, made 26 tackles and ran for 92 metres in the 46-6 thrashing of Hull FC.

“We knew they were coming to come out pretty hard but I think to be honest we got lucky at the start with a couple of calls,” Houston admitted.

“But we weathered the storm and we’re not really having much trouble scoring points. If our defence is on we’re going to be competitive in most games.

“So it was pleasing to win at home.”