WIDNES VIKINGS have taken Castleford Tigers duo Aiden Doolan and Alfie Lindsey on loan.
Hooker Doolan, 22, could prove key for the Championship club after the loss of Matty Fozard to a knee injury sustained in the 11-10 win at Halifax Panthers on Sunday.
Meanwhile outside back Lindsey, 19, provides back-up since Widnes are without Joe Edge (wrist) and Matty Fleming (ankle) for the remainder of this season.
The Vikings have a busy schedule, starting at home to Workington Town on Sunday.
Allan Coleman’s side then visit Sheffield Eagles on Thursday before their 1895 Cup final meeting with London Broncos on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31. Then come the play-offs.
Doolan (pictured) was born in Widnes and had a spell in the club’s old Scholarship system before switching to Warrington Wolves.
After leaving Warrington and having a stint in Australia playing for South Sydney Rabbitohs in the New South Wales Cup, he had a two-game trial stint at the Vikings before joining Barrow Raiders.
Castleford signed him on a two-year contract in November and he has made two appearances for them while having loan stints at Barrow and Hunslet, where he notched four tries and five goals in six outings.
Lindsey, from York, came through Castleford’s Academy and played twice for the first team last season.
This year he has been loaned to Halifax, scoring four tries in six games.
“It’s great to get Aiden Doolan over the line,’ said Coleman. “He’s been with us previously, but just didn’t get enough time with us having two hookers (Fozard and Jordan Johnstone).
“He went away and has since thrived in a full-time environment. Everywhere he’s been on loan he’s been outstanding.
“We like his honesty, his hard work and how he plays the game. If we lose bodies, we need quality to stay in contention for trophies, and we feel like we’ve brought quality in with Aiden.
“Alfie Lindsey will make his debut against Sheffield. We just need to keep strength in depth, quality, numbers and intensity in training so we can compete in the big games which are around the corner.
“He’ll play on Thursday with the intention of working his way into a shirt in the (1895 Cup) final.”