Widnes set to unveil Super League coach

Widnes are to unveil their head coach for Super League in 2012 at a press conference later today.

The Vikings were given the nod for a return to the top flight on March 31, beating off competition from Barrow and Halifax to secure the guaranteed spot for a Championship club.

They are currently coached by Denis Betts, who led Widnes to seven successive victories at the beginning of the season, but form has faltered over the past two months, with defeats to Hunslet, Leigh twice, Batley and Barrow.

Betts succeeded Paul Cullen, now the club’s Director of Rugby, and who is believed to have played a key role in the appointment of the new coach.

There was speculation last month that the Vikings had approached Australian head coach Tim Sheens, and rumours have also surfaced linking them with an approach for former St Helens boss Daniel Anderson.

But Sheens, 60, has been in charge of the Australia national side since 2009 and at club level with Wests Tigers since 2003, signed a new deal in the NRL last week.