Widnes travel to Toronto needing another win to keep survival hopes alive. Here’s everything you need to know…
SQUAD NEWS
Toronto Wolfpack
Toronto are yet to name their squad, but head coach Paul Rowley will hope to go with much the same team that beat French side Toulouse Olympique by a drop goal, 13-12 last time out.
With Gareth O’Brien impressing once again he’ll need him in the side and to be fully fit to possibly help Toronto get the better of the Widnes Vikings, as well as the bulk of their sizeable pack.
One player who will certainly play no part is prop Jack Bussey, who was stood down from the camp and has returned to the United Kingdom after his bite last week, which led to a ten-match ban.
Widnes Vikings
Francis Cummins’s side will be hoping to make it back to back wins in the Qualifiers as they travel to Canada for the first time to face the Wolfpack, on the back of last week’s victory over Halifax.
There are two changes to the 19-man squad, including Jordan Johnstone who could play for the first time since June. Chris Dean also returns, while Jay Chapelhow and Aaron Heremaia drop out.
Widnes 19-man-squad: Ah Van, Buckley, Dean, Finn, Gubb, Hansen, Hauraki, Houston, Inu, Johnstone, Leuluai, Lyons, Mellor, Olbison, Runciman, Walker, White, Whitley, Wilde.
HEAD TO HEAD
The meeting at Lamport Stadium on Saturday will be the first ever clash between these two sides. Will Toronto take one step further to Super League, will Widnes’s relegation be all but secured?
KEY BATTLE – Chase Stanley v Krisnan Inu
One of the interesting battles in the game will be between two outstandingย two centres, Stanley and Inu, who both love to score a try or two. They both have a strong physical presence and an extremely good running game too. Stanley hasย been a consistentย performer for the Wolfpack in theย Qualifiers so far, and since returning from injury Inu has been in fine fettle for the Vikings.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Saturday 22nd September
Venue: Lamport Stadium
Kick-off: 5.30pm (UK time)
Referee: Robert Hicks
