Vikings’ date with destiny

Jun 19 2008 by Ian Cheveau, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

VIKINGS sporting director Terry O’Connor has cranked up the intensity in the run-up to tonight’s big Co-operative League One home clash with Salford City Reds by insisting potential Super League futures are on the line.

In an exclusive interview with Weekly News Sport, O’Connor pulled no punches, saying ‘players’ destinies are in their own hands’ – after the loss of the last three games.

It has now been formally confirmed there will be two extra teams in the top-flight next season with Widnes among the frontrunners.

O’Connor said: “Players know they have to perform. It’s not just about what goes on in National League it’s about performing to the highest level in Super League, should we get granted a licence.

“Super League is the biggest stage you can perform on and in the top flight you have to be at the top of your game week in week out and the players must prove that they can do that in this division.

“The players have to be honest with themselves and say whether their performances have been good enough or not. We probably exceeded expectation early in the year and did really well to wipe the nine points out, but that was then and this is now.

“The destiny of each player is in their own hands and if they want a contract next year, then they will have to perform. They know that talk about contracts is looming and they don’t want to be disappointed.”

O’Connor has operated extremely shrewdly in the transfer market this season.

The Vikings have spoken to some of the biggest names in world rugby since chairman Steve O’Connor transformed the club, and the sporting director hinted now could be crunch time for a host of Widnes stars.

He added: “They have the jumper and it’s about what they do with it from now on.”

O’Connor this week joined the players for a hospital visit to Whiston’s children’s unit and he said that it ‘hit home’ for the players.

He said: ‘The players had a motivational day last week and it was a massive boost for them. The players and coaching staff got a lot out of it but for getting brought back down to earth, you only have to visit the hospital to see some of the poorly kids – and realise how lucky we are as rugby league players and past players.

“It really hit home for the lads and now we face our biggest game of the season so far in front of the Sky cameras and I know everyone is looking forward to it and to do well.”

Vikings have raided St Helens for the second time in three weeks to sign talented scrum-half Matty Smith, 20, on a month’s loan.

And they could complete a hat-trick by returning to the Super League club to snap up goalkicking centre Steve Tyrer who, like Smith, has first-team experience.

Widnes Vikings Rugby League Museum will be closed this weekend but reopens on Friday, June 27. It has in stock copies of Widnes Vikings supporter Mike Healing’s book Dreams to Reality. Proceeds from copies bought at the museum will go to the club.