Widnes Vikings make an early start

Dec 4 2008 by Paul Glynn, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

WIDNES Vikings’ pre-season preparations shifted up a gear this week as the club’s Rugby League World Cup 2008 representatives returned to full training.

Widnes and Scotland coach Steve McCormack, Scottish internationals Iain Morrison and John Duffy, and Ireland’s Lee Doran re-joined colleagues at the Stobart Stadium.

All recorded creditable performances at the tournament in Australia, but Scotland forward Lee Paterson sustained a serious knee injury.

McCormack, whose men will contest four ‘competitive friendlies’ to ensure they are ready for the start of the 2009 season, has been pleased with what his squad has shown in training so far.

McCormack said: “Monday was our first day with a full complement of players and coaching staff and I’ve been impressed with the standard of fitness so far.

“Most of the players have been in three or four weeks earlier than last season, when we had a late start.

“The new lads have settled in well, which I expected as we always bring good people in to the club who share the ethos of the club and behave well on and off the field.

“Coaches are always on the lookout for new talent, but I’m very happy with the squad that we’ve assembled.”

McCormack added: “The younger players were sensational for us last season in difficult circumstances and I don’t want them to take a step back.

“So they will get their chance, as will everyone else.”

McCormack will be advising his players to lay off the mince pies over the Christmas period, as they return to action with the friendly against St Helens on Saturday, December 27.

“St Helens have always been good to us in the past with loaning us players, and such a game gives us the chance to set a benchmark and measure ourselves against Super League opposition,” added the Vikings head coach.

The first competitive games will be in the Northern Rail Cup with Widnes then opening their league campaign by entertaining newcomer French side Toulouse on March 14.

“The first league game is a while off yet, but we have contacts in France and we’ll know all about Toulouse by the time it comes around,” said the coach.

“I think that its right that Toulouse didn’t go straight into Super League and maybe they should even have gone in to the old National League Two.

“But they are sure to make our league stronger and add a bit of flair.”

See page 53 for the Vikings’ 2009 fixture list.

Author Mike Healing will be signing copies of his book Dreams to Reality at Widnes Vikings museum in the Stobart Stadium Halton on Saturday (1pm-3pm).

Previously-bought copies of the book can be taken along to be signed, and the museum will have copies on sale.

The book chronicles the Vikings’ 2007 season up to and including the Grand Final defeat by Castleford and resulting takeover.