Saturday afternoon sees us opening the magic weekend up in Newcastle. Widnes had a tough cup game and have three additional injured first teamers as well as several existing injuries. They're really struggling at the moment so provide Wakefield with a great opportunity to gain some much needed league points. I can't see it being an easy game as Widnes had a good 40min against Hull, and competed against Warrington, it is certainly one which we should be winning if we have aspirations of being a top club. Say that, if we lose, we'd still be in 6th place and I'll have two more games of rugby to watch!

Bring on the fun!

To be fair i was impressed with Widnes yesterday. Particularly the young hooker who looks a real talent. Personally I thought they were the better team. It may be a case of raising their game against the neighbours, but it still will be a tough game and nothing like the fixture against them earlier in the season.

I agree, they looked better, but they seem to be struggling to win games and with the likes of Ah Van missing I think they're going to struggle to score which will be their downfall

That young 17 year old who stood up to hill ! Even with all of Widnes' injuries will be a tough same. saying that hoping for a win, Wakey by 20!

Their Aussie centre Charlie Runciman looks a real disappointment to me...got off to a real bright start last season but looks real poor lately...got swatted off 2 or 3 times very easily by Atkins...think this will be a game where patience is key...

I've no doubt when Widnes are able to put a full strength side out they'll be a decent side capable of beating anyone...they're doing it tough at the moment though and remind me a bit of a championship side...competitive for a good hour then fall away the last quarter...we've finished a lot of games well this season so as I say, I reckon patience is key...don't panic and chase things and result will take care of itself...

They picked up injuries to Ah Van, Meller & Hermaia yesterday, three of their best. It's all about our attitude this one, turn up focussed and put a full 80 in and get on top up front which is their strength and after a tight start i think we'll put a decent sized score on them.

I hope so, we've been looking good for giving a team a proper smashing recently. I know we scored well against Dewsbury, but we could do with doing it against some SL opposition!

Not too serious I hope but fingers crossed Hanbury picks up a knock this week in training, just enough to keep him out of Saturday's game.

Given their injury list, even Hanbury might fail to have his usual stormer against us; he's good, but he can't do it in his own.

The young lad who wanted to fight Chris Hill looks a good prospect!

He's the one player I fear every time we play them. Even when Brown was there.

I would call it youthful cheek, rather than standing up to him.
If Hill had wanted to do anything, the young lad would have come a very distant second.

He looked good though and for a while, it looked like he may have turned the game in Widnes' favour.

I'm pleased that Ah Van will be missing and once again, we will have to be on our mettle to come away with the win.
There are some really intriguing fixtures this weekend and apart from Hull v Catalan, most of the games could go either way (althoiugh, I think we will beat Widnes and you have to fancy Cas to beat Leeds).

Yeah, so I was reading this thread and Hanbury hasn't come up till late on, he's the one we have to keep quiet.
Dunno about the others with injuries and what not but they're not the x factor, Hanbury is, if him and Mellor click, it needs smashing to bits quickly.

Chase signed for Widnes

Always happens to us - they will get one great game out of the bloke and it will be against us :-0

Not the best timing of us playing them the week Rangi signs.

He will be eager to show his capabilities Im sure.

Need to stay focussed for the 80 and keep close tabs on him and Hanbury