Monday 1 February 2016 16:28, UK
Widnes captain Kevin Brown reckons the investment in an artificial pitch at the Select Security Stadium could pay dividends for the Vikings as they look to get off to a good start in Super League XXI.
While most of their rivals have seen their training schedules badly disrupted by the heavy rain, it has been business as usual for the Vikings, thanks to their i-pitch.
"It's a great surface," said Brown. "I feel so lucky that we've got it when you see the state of some of the fields around at the minute.
"We've not been away and we've not had to miss a session through frost, snow, rain and whatever. We've had some real good solid training."
Widnes broke new ground by installing the artificial pitch at their old Naughton Park home in time for their return to Super League in 2012 and it has helped them make their home become something of a fortress.
The pitch initially attracted much criticism, largely from opposition players complaining about the severe grazes caused by the surface, but the number of complaints has subsided and Brown believes their home advantage is being gradually eroded.
I'm really excited by the quality we've added in the close season, as well as the young lads being a year older.
"I suppose at the start, everyone was a bit sceptical about the surface - about injuries and grazes and stuff - but I think that's probably died down a bit now," Brown said.
"I think everyone has probably been training on them at some stage in the off season with the amount of flooding that's been going on."
Widnes kick off the new season at Wakefield next Sunday, hoping to reclaim a top-eight spot and avoid having to once more battle it out in the Super 8s Qualifiers for their survival in the top flight.
"We were disappointed last year with the league table, which is what everyone looks at," Brown said.
"We had a few markers that we improved on but it just wasn't enough to get us up there, although we had a good finish in that lower league.
"I'm really excited by the quality we've added in the close season, as well as the young lads being a year older."
Warrington centre Chris Bridge and overseas duo Chris Houston and Corey Thompson are among the new faces brought in by Widnes coach Denis Betts and Brown is particularly delighted at the recruitment of an old foe.
"I'm really excited about playing with Bridgey," he said. "I played with him for England in 2010 but, playing against him, I've realised how good a player he is and he's showing that in training.
"If he stays injury free, he's going to be great for us.
"I also can't wait to get going with Corey Thompson and Chris Houston because they're proven NRL players. Just with the way they go about their business, it's a real confidence booster having them alongside us."
Meanwhile, Widnes will again adopt the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation as their shirt sponsor for their Magic Weekend clash with Salford at St James' Park, Newcastle on Saturday, May 21.
The Vikings raised more than £20,000 last year for the cancer charity established by the late Newcastle and England manager through sales of a special edition black and white striped shirt.
For a £10 donation, fans can have their name on the 2016 Magic Weekend jersey, and Newcastle legend Kevin Keegan says he has already made his pledge.
Keegan said: "This is a great idea to raise money for a fantastic cause. I am sure that it will be embraced not only by their own rugby fans but by the people of Newcastle.
"Sir Bobby is held in high regard all over the world but no more than in Newcastle. The Foundation continues to do fantastic work in his memory to help people with cancer and I hope the Vikings campaign is a huge success."
The 2016 Super League season kicks off on Thursday night as Leeds Rhinos host Warrington Wolves. Watch it live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 7pm. Catch the match for £6.99 on NOW TV. No contract.
