Warrington Wolves v Widnes Vikings: First Utility Super League preview
Last Updated: 03/05/15 6:16pm
Warrington welcome back centre Ryan Atkins from injury for Sunday's Super League derby with Widnes Vikings at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Atkins has recovered from the sternum injury that saw him miss the Wolves’ last three fixtures and is the only change to the team that recorded an impressive victory at Leeds last weekend.
Atkins replaces Toby King in Tony Smith’s 19-man squad as Warrington look to avenge their 30-10 loss at Widnes at the beginning of April.
Widnes have lost all six of their away fixtures this season and suffered a 18-point defeat at St Helens last weekend.
Vikings coach Dennis Betts has second rowers Chris Clarkson and Danny Tickle back after thumb and groin injuries respectively, while winger Paddy Flynn returns after recovering from a hamstring tear. The one remaining change sees Phil Joseph replace Gil Dudson in the pack.
“At this moment in time our away form is good but it is just not converting into points on the table so one of the things we have to do is keep putting in good performances,” said Betts.
“We need to keep doing the right things and we know the results will start coming our way. Getting too stressed about it and getting over anxious is not going to help us.
“We do understand that winning away from home is very important to get us into the top eight. Playing Warrington away this weekend following their fantastic performance at Leeds last week obviously makes that task a little bit harder.
“We are going to the Halliwell Jones with great strength and great resilience and understanding that we can perform.”
Warrington Wolves: Roy Asotasi, Ryan Atkins, Chris Bridge, Daryl Clark, Ben Currie, Anthony England, Ben Harrison, Micky Higham, Chris Hill, Toby King, James Laithwaite, Joel Monaghan, Richie Myler, Gareth O’Brien, Gene Ormsby, Declan Patton, Stefan Ratchford, Ashton Sims, Ben Westwood.
Widnes Vikings: Kevin Brown, Chris Clarkson, Chris Dean, Paddy Flynn, Danny Galea, Alex Gerrard, Rhys Hanbury, Aaron Heremaia, Willie Isa, Phil Joseph, Macgraff Leuluai, Manase Manuokafoa, Stefan Marsh, Joe Mellor, Eamon O’Carroll, Jack Owens, Danny Tickle, Lloyd White, Matt Whitley.