Thursday 12 June 2014 13:41, UK
Widnes host Hull FC at the Select Security Stadium on Friday looking to do the double over the Airlie Birds this season.
The Vikings triumphed 7-0 in the reverse fixture and go into this game on a high, following the 56-6 Challenge Cup quarter-final victory against Keighley Cougars last time.
Widnes skipper Jon Clarke has been declared fit to play and coach Denis Betts will restore him to his hooking berth this week.
Kiwi enforcer Hep Cahill is back in the squad after being out of action for a number of weeks following nerve damage to his neck, while Paddy Flynn also returns after serving his two match suspension, as does prop Phil Joseph.
Betts told the club’s official website: “We came out alright through the Keighley game last week, and one of the key things in those kind of games is making sure that you don’t get any knocks or tears that are going to keep players out.
“I’m pleased we got through to the other side of that without any major damage and we’re going to need that as well coming into this next week. The Easter period is hard but I think we’ve been given a task as tough as this in a long time.”
He added: “Hep Cahill is up for selection, as is Phil Joseph and Jon Clarke. Paddy Flynn is back in the team this week after his ban as well so getting these kinds of players back now is good for the team going forward.”
Hull FC have made just one change to their 19-man squad, with young prop Liam Watts rewarded for a strong performance as a late call-up in the 50-12 win over London Broncos last time.
The 23-year old takes the place of Dean Hadley, who drops out of contention.
New Zealand international world cup winner Setaimata Sa, whose minor groin injury saw him replaced by Watts late last week, has returned to full fitness to feature.
Widnes Vikings: Allen, Brown, Cahill, Clarke, Clough, Craven, Dean, Galea, Gilmore, Flynn, Hanbury, Johnson, Joseph, Kavanagh, Leuluai, Marsh, Owens, Tickle, White.
Hull FC: Bowden, Crooks, Ellis, Heremaia, Horne, Houghton, Lancaster, Miller, Paea, Paleaaesina, Rankin, Sa, Shaul, Talanoa, Thompson, Tuson, Watts, Westerman, Yeaman.
