WIDNES VIKINGS coach Allan Coleman is keeping close tabs on Aiden Doolan and has halfback Joe Lyons primed to possibly play hooker as he contemplates being without Jordan Johnstone for a spell.
Former Hull player Johnstone, 27, shared duties with the equally-experienced Matty Fozard last season, when the duo made 28 and 30 appearances respectively.
But Johnstone, who started his career at hometown club Whitehaven before a first stint at Widnes in their Super League days, has been sidelined by a stress fracture in his back.
It’s a big blow to both the player and Coleman, whose side reached the play-offs last season and start their league fixture schedule against Toulouse in France on Saturday.
“JJ is a quality operator on and off the field who cleaned up at our club awards last year,” said the coach.
“Being without him is a big blow, but his wellbeing is the most important thing and we’ll be patient because the exact recovery time is a bit of an unknown.
“He’ll stay around the group, because his influence is helpful, and he will be on hand to advise and support whoever plays hooker alongside Matty.”
Widnes-born former Warrington player Doolan, 21, has come in on trial after a spell playing in Australia, and Coleman added: “It’s a chance for each to have a look at the other and see if there is any mileage in something longer term.
“He’s a Widnes lad who was in the old Scholarship system here before moving on and he has a feel for the club, which is something I always like, so we’ll see what develops.
“We also have Joe who has played hooker occasionally in the past and who with his pace, offers something a little bit different in that role.”
Coleman is looking forward to the Toulouse trip and added: “It will be as tough as ever against full-time opponents, but the conditions won’t be as hot as they are later in the season.”
