Last Season Placing: 7th
Challenge Cup Placing: Quarter-Finalists (Lost 20-18 to Warrington)
Dark Horses
If there is one thing Widnes can commend themselves on, it’s their ability to be the dark horse of the competition. In 2016 they were a force to be reckoned with, but their lack of points scored saw them rank a lot lower than they maybe deserved.
On paper Widnes were among the top 3 for tackles completed and successful clean breaks, also ranking in the bottom 3 for missed tackles. This gives us a good idea that defensively the Vikings are pretty solid, but their downfall is going forward with the ball.
Ranked 8th on tries scored last year, this is bound to be a huge focus for the chemics this year, and if their pre-season preparations have been done right, they could cause some real upsets this year.
Key Players
Stefan Marsh – The 26-year old outside back is one of the more influential players for the Vikings. He isn’t afraid to make a run at opponents, and his 13-try tally last year shows this.
Corey Thompson – Without a doubt a player of high importance at Widnes. He set personal bests across the board last year, with an impressive haul of 27 tries in 2016, he’ll be looking to replicate that in 2017.
Rhys Hanbury – One of the more senior players of the Widnes squad and is heavily involved in getting the points on the board for Widnes. Second top try scorer in the league last year and will no doubt reach similar heights once more.
Story of 2017
After losing Kevin Brown to Warrington Wolves in the off-season, as well as only bringing a few new recruits it would come as no surprise if Widnes did end up being the complete package and achieving great things this year. With just a few attacking issues to tweak, it could be a case similar to that of Hull FC’s last year.
Can the Chemics bring home a trophy or two this year?
Predictions
Ladder: To make the Top8/Super 8s
Top Tryscorer: Corey Thompson
Top Pointscorer: Rhys Hanbury
Player of the year: Lloyd White
