I thought Burke did okay for us as a somewhat promising young utility forward in... 2015 was it?

He might have been terrible this year, in fairness - I cancelled Sky Sports after the MPG.

If he'd come through the ranks at Rovers and stayed, I reckon there'd be plenty reminding us that props don't reach their peak until their late 20s and we'd best hold on to him for five or six more years lest we miss out on a couple of decent seasons from him.

We got it bang on with Kavanagh. Waited until he was just about to get good before signing him - he's been top notch this season (albeit in the Championship).

My word! Widnes fans do exist on this forum after all!

I must admit, I thought the signing of Kavanagh would of been a waste of cap space when first signed. But he's been an excellent acquisition. Burke on the other hand......... Not fit to lace kavanaghs boots.
As Mild rover said. He's a player that's matured into a fine player.

Agree about Kav, thought he was here to make up the numbers, but has held his position at 13 and has been one of our better consistent performers. Only decent game I remember Burke having was his last one and wondering why he hadn't played like that all season

Burke still knocking about in SL? Deary me. Complete e.

Nothing to fear with Widnes. Could go either way.

you will be refs are shocking it all depends on who you get bentham is the best childs is a joke

I wasn't very Impressed with Kavanagh signing at the time but he has been consistent and can play 80.Also thought the same of Scruton but he has been even better.Burke reminds me a little of Mills for us in that he had every tool to be a star but seemed lacking in heart. Kavanagh seems to have a stronger constitution and iv enjoyed watching him play.What is Bridges injury?Big loss if true?

Bridge has apparently had a hip operation and has retired from the game. Always thought he was a very good player, just blighted by injury

Nothing at all to fear from the Widnes 19 man squad, without getting complacent, I'd be hugely surprised to not beat them by at least 10.

Ive seen then against hull twice and they played well (in parts) is both games, suffered badly with injuries and mis management (Brown and Chase), they still have some good players (mainly forwards) like Cahill, Heremia, Whitely, Mellor and young Walker. Think Rovers advantage could be in the backs where they look a bit weak, particularly without Hanbury.

Thought Heremia was long term injured?Just looked at their 19 and agree with Moxi's view.They are solid enough but without plastic pitch advantage and few key larkers I'm hopeful we will win.Abdull back for us, if he does play will probably be at Atkins expense?Big call either way similar with Moss and Quinlan

Kav was decent for us in the Championship too, pattern emerging here.

No idea why Burke is mentioned so much in this thread, he hasn't played this year, isn't good enough to get into our 19 when we have everyone.

We've picked up some knocks last week in Craven, Bridge & Hanbury which is a big loss, but I'm assumed as posters writing us off so much. Our failings this year has been down to injuries (we've used more players in the first team this year than any other team in SL) and it has shown. When we've got players back we've looked a lot better.

Expect a decent game but playing SL all season will go in our favour.

Sounds very similar to us last season, we'll be alright because we've been playing SL, that's when the championship really hits you the hardest.

Makes no sense? We've put 60 on Featherstone and nearly 40 on Halifax?

I expect a tough game, and the fact we've been in more tough games this year will stand us in good stead. You're not a Championship side, that's the difference (but played Championship sides all year - that's my point!).

Betts knows all about this division, he coached in it for 4 years.

Both teams will be desperate for the win.Bookies give Widnes a 2pt start so very close game expected . As a fan I'm taking nothing for granted but looking at squads and key injuries for them it's there if we are good enough on day

Weather and officials may have a big say in the result.
We are due some luck in a big game.