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.

Indeed.

We deserve some luck whatever IMO.

The current system means that if you are relegated you are given a cut of £1million in funding but can only come back if you can beat teams who retain full funding. In other words...here's 750k ....if you can be better than teams with £1.8m funding you can come back.

We are within distance of achieving just that...if achieved it won't be luck it will be a wonderful achievement.

We beat both London and Batley 58-18 in last seasons middles and it counted for nothing in the end.

Widnes are playing some good stuff and even with their injuries they have some good players.

That said this isn't the plagatron 3000 pitch and u should expect a welcome akin to a Galatasaray away supporter... Welcome to Hull!

Due some luck?
Widnes lose 3 key players for this match
Catalan lose 2 key players in Bird and Walsh

Still hurts doesn't it?

Walsh will play against us maybe not this weekend, no sympathy for bird he's just a dirty bast.