SL Preview: Widnes v Hull

Widnes head into this game boosted by the news that inspirational stend-off Kevin Brown has signed a two-year contract extension.

The Vikings’ only change from the squad which triumphed over Salford at Magic Weekend last week is Grant Gore replacing Cameron Phelps, who suffered a torn pectoral muscle.

The Vikings are also in fine form. having won their last four games in all competitions.

Hull FC are in decent form of their own, however. They stuffed local rivals Hull KR at Magic Weekend, and have won three out of their last four Super League games.

A win at Widnes would lift them into the top eight.

Prediction: Widnes to win by six, in a tight and entertaining contest, which could swing either way.

Widnes (19-man squad): Ah Van, Ashall, Brown, Clarkson, Dudson, Galea, Gerrard, Gore, Hanbury, Heremaia, Isa, Joseph, Leuluai, Manuokafoa, Marsh, Mellor, Owens, White, Whitley.

Hull (19-man squad): Abdull, Ellis, Green, Houghton, Lineham, Minichiello, Paea, Paleaaesina, Pryce, Rankin, Sa, Shaul, Sneyd, Talanoa, Thompson, Watts, Westerman, Whiting, Yeaman.

Stats:

Kirk Yeaman needs one appearance to reach 350 for his career. Yeaman has played 338 games for Hull FC since 2001, to go with representative appearances for Great Britain (3 Tests, 2006-2007) and England (8 games, 2004 & 2011).

Super League Summary:

Widnes won five
Hull FC won 11
Widnes highest score: 46-10 (H, 2003) (also widest margin)
Hull FC highest score: 72-10 (H, 2013) (Widest margin: 70-4, H, 2004)

Last 10 Meetings:

Hull FC 22, Widnes 8 (SLR10, 10/4/15)
Widnes 6, Hull FC 56 (SLR16, 13/6/14)
Hull FC 0, Widnes 7 (SLR6, 23/3/14)
Hull FC 72, Widnes 10 (SLR23, 2/8/13)
Widnes 36, Hull FC 16 (SLR5, 2/3/13)
Widnes 42, Hull FC 16 (SLR25, 18/8/12)
Hull FC 58, Widnes 10 (SLR7, 18/3/12)
Widnes 26, Hull FC 50 (CCR5, 21/5/11)
Widnes 18, Hull FC 32 (CCR5, 11/5/08)
Widnes 20, Hull FC 40 (SLR22, 24/7/05)