Widnes hit by Tom Gilmore injury blow

Widnes half-back Tom Gilmore is facing a spell on the sidelines after the club confirmed he requires surgery.

Gilmore, 29, returned to the DCBL Stadium from Batley in the off-season and starred in the Vikings’ opening day Championship win at York.

He helped put on tries for Ryan Millar and Shane Grady, and also kicked a drop goal in the latter stages as Widnes won 19-12.

A club statement said: “Widnes Vikings can confirm that half-back Tom Gilmore has sustained a ruptured pectoral injury. He will undergo surgery in the coming weeks.

“The news comes as a blow to the Vikings as recent scan results confirmed the injury, and after consulting a specialist it was determined that surgery is the best option.”

Back-up options

A former England Knights squad member, Gilmore starred in Batley’s run to the Championship Grand Final last season.

He was shortlisted for the Championship Player of the Year award for his exploits with the Bulldogs, where he scored more than 400 points in 56 games.

Gilmore opted to return to Widnes for 2023, having previously come through the club’s academy and made his Super League debut back in 2012.

Joe Lyons deputised for Danny Craven, who has been suffering from a hamstring problem, in the win at York. Craven is expected to be in contention for Sunday’s home game against Keighley.

Jack Owens has featured in the halves at times during pre-season, with Matt Fleming taking his full-back role. Matty Fozard and Jordan Johnstone also provide options for John Kear, as does utility Aaron Brown.

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