We’re here for these games, says Betts
Widnes coach Denis Betts says games against teams like Leeds, who the Vikings meet on Sunday, are the sort of games fans have been waiting for.
The Vikings spent six seasons in the Championship following relegation in 2005, waiting for their next Super League chance, and their start has been far from ideal.
As well as losing their first three games, shipping 136 points in the process, they have seen star import Anthony Watts ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, while Ben Kavanagh and Thomas Coyle are also out with long term injuries. Three players were suspended by the club last week, including hooker Scott Moore who faces several weeks on the sidelines with a broken jaw, and the Vikings are still awaiting the arrival of Cameron Phelps and Sione Kite.
New signing Shaun Briscoe is yet to make his competitive debut for the club, while the new “iPitch” at the Stobart Stadium has also come under criticism from some quarters in Super League.
The newly crowned World Club Champions Leeds, fresh from last Friday’s triumph over Manly, are in town on Sunday, and they’re looking to bring to an end the dismal record World Club Champions have endured the week after picking up the trophy.
In fact, when Widnes were crowned World Club Champions in 1989 with a 30-18 win over Canberra Raiders at Old Trafford, they went on to lose 6-31 to lowly Sheffield the following week.
Betts told the club’s official website: “Contests such as these are the ones that should really excite our supporter-base.
“These are the games you’ve all hoped and longed for whilst the Vikings have been in the wilderness and now they’re here, it’s massively important that you cherish these moments and get behind your team.
“Our members and supporters have been fantastic so far, and on behalf of everybody concerned I would like to thank them for their continued support and assure them that their efforts are truly appreciated.”
After the visit of Leeds on Sunday (2pm), a home game with Wigan sandwiches two trips to Hull, before a pivotal home game against London Broncos, currently the only other Super League side without a win, on March 25th.