Widnes v Huddersfield: First Utility Super League preview
Last Updated: 21/06/15 4:51pm
Widnes coach Denis Betts has second rower Danny Galea back from injury for and has called up for the first time youngster James Chapelhow, who has been playing with his twin brother Ted on dual registration at Whitehaven.
"They’re [Huddersfield] going to be tough. They see themselves as a contending side and have given themselves a great opportunity to make the top four at the end of it all,” said Betts.
"Danny Brough’s always a threat whether he’s kicking the ball out of hand or running the ball," said Betts.
"There are a couple more in there like Luke Robinson and Joe Wardle who’s playing really well at the moment. They’ve also got some young kids who’ve come into their side who are very fast and strong and look like real talents.
"They’ve got pace, toughness and also an understanding of what it takes to be in that top half of the table now and how resilient you have to be. They come here as an experienced top-end-of the-table side that know they need to win. It’s setting itself up to be a big challenge for us."
Huddersfield are boosted by the return of England second rower Brett Ferres, who has recovered from a knee injury, while centre Leroy Cudjoe also returns from injury but there is still no place for full-back Scott Grix.
Widnes: Patrick Ah Van, Kevin Brown, James Chapelhow, Chris Clarkson, Danny Craven, Chris Dean, Gil Dudson, Danny Galea, Alex Gerrard, Rhys Hanbury, Aaron Heremaia, Willie Isa, Macgraff Leuluai, Manase Manuokafoa, Stefan Marsh, Joe Mellor, Jack Owens, Lloyd White, Matt Whitley.
Huddersfield: Jermaine McGillvary, Leroy Cudjoe, Joe Wardle, Danny Brough, Luke Robinson, Eorl Crabtree, Craig Huby, Brett Ferres, Jack Hughes, Michael Lawrence, Craig Kopczak, Ukuma Ta’ai, Jodie Broughton, Anthony Mullally, Jamie Ellis, Jacob Fairbank, Jake Connor, Kruise Leeming, Jared Simpson.