IT’S something of a new era for Widnes going in to 2026, following the launch of a new club crest which includes the return of a Viking head.
Despite a late push, they missed out on the play-offs last season after Allan Coleman had managed to lead them there in his first season in charge the previous year.
Failure to make the revamped top 10 play-off in the merged Championship would surely be a disaster.
Their recruitment has been highlighted by the returns of forwards Jay Chapelhow and Sam Wilde, while Jack Bibby joins permanently after ending last season on loan at the DCBL Stadium. Jordan Abdull could also add the x-factor after his return to the game.
Outside of those, there are some project signings such as Nathan Connell from Salford.
How they manage the loan market may turn out to be key for Widnes. Often frustrated at the options from previous dual-registration partners Warrington, some regular quality from Super League in their pack may be the difference between play-off worry and play-off certainty.
One to watch
When he was playing for England and being shortlisted for Super League Man of Steel just four years ago, you wouldn’t have thought Jordan Abdull would be playing in the Championship at the age of 29. But after a year out of the game, he’s joined Widnes.
If the Vikings can get him fit, he will likely be one of the signings of the year, with his long kicking game something Widnes have missed in recently.
Squad: 1 Matty Fleming, 2 Mike Butt, 3 Jack Owens, 4 Joe Edge, 5 Ryan Ince, 6 Joe Lyons, 7 Tom Gilmore, 8 Dan Murray, 9 Jordan Johnstone, 10 Liam Bent, 11 Sam Wilde, 12 Max Roberts, 13 Nick Gregson, 14 Matty Fozard, 15 Lewis Hall, 16 Danny Langtree, 17 Jake Maizen, 18 Morgan McWhirter, 19 Adam Lawton, 20 Jack Bibby, 21 Jay Chapelhow, 22 Jordan Abdull, 23 Nathan Connell, 24 Frank Sargent, 25 Kieran Taylor, 26 Toby Hughes, 27 Deacon Connolly, 28 Jack Houghton
Ins: Jordan Abdull (unattached), Jay Chapelhow (Oldham), Kieran Taylor (North Wales), Jack Bibby (Huddersfield), Sam Wilde (North Wales), Nathan Connell (Salford), Frank Sergent (Warrington), Toby Hughes, Jack Houghton (both North Wales), Deacon Connolly (Warrington)
Outs: Rhodri Lloyd (retired), Rhys Williams (retired), Dec Patton (North Wales), Finlay Irwin (released), Ben Condon (Catalans), Brett Bailey (Whitehaven), Gavin Bennion (retired)