Mellor wants Vikings to make statement

Correspondent

Joe Mellor wants Widnes Vikings to make a statement to the rest of Super League when they take on Wigan Warriors tonight. 

The Vikings have been this year’s surprise package as they find themselves top of the league ahead of Warrington and tonight’s opponents Wigan. 

Mellor, a product of the Wigan academy system, says that although many people outside of the club may be surprised by their start, the Vikings know the potential the squad has.

“I think a lot of people are surprised because of the way we performaed last year and where we ended up in the league, but we had a really good pre-season and obviously took that into the season,” Mellor told rugby-league.com.

“Nobody is getting carried away because we know it could change, we’re just looking to turn up each week and perform the best we can.”

“Nobody is getting carried away because we know it could change, we’re just looking to turn up each week and perform the best we can.”

Mellor impressed during his time in the Wigan academy, and was picked as one that could make it into the first team at the club. Things didn’t work out for Mellor, but the halfback insists he loved his time at the club.

“I’m not bitter about anything,” he said.

“Wigan have got a really good youth set-up and I enjoyed my time there and learned a lot. Denis gave me my opportunity and (Stefan) Marsh went on dual (registration) to Widnes as well the year before me.

“It’s a good pathway for us to get some game time but now I think we’ll be able to attract some really good players to Widnes. We’re up there and competing with the likes of Wigan these days. 

“We do really want to go out and make a statement this week. I think last week was our biggest test of the season against Hull FC and this is going to be massive.”