Widnes dealt Dean blow

Widnes coach Denis Betts has been dealt with the blow that versatile centre Chris Dean is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Dean, 25, has been in solid form for the Vikings season, making 17 appearances, and has also featured in the back-row.

He picked up a shoulder injury in the defeat to Wigan last Friday, and will definitely miss Monday’s Super League trip to Leeds.

Betts told the club’s official website: “Overall, we’re starting to look pretty healthy now, but the tough one to take this week is that we may have lost Chris Dean for a lengthy period. He picked up an injury to his left shoulder in the Wigan game and he’s due to have a scan on Monday which will tell us more.

“Chris is a big part of our group and his spell on the sidelines will certainly be a huge loss for us.”

Dean’s absence is countered by the return of Stefan Marsh, who sat out last weekend, and Gareth Hock, after his four-match ban.