Widnes Vikings v Hull FC: Super 8s preview
Thursday 11 August 2016 22:45, UK
Lee Radford claims Hull's humbling by Widnes in March is not on his mind as he returns to the scene of his season's nadir on Thursday night.
Radford was shut out of the dressing room by his players after their 46-6 thrashing at the Select Security Stadium five months ago, a result for which he apologised to travelling supporters.
Some perceived Radford's exclusion as an act of rebellion by players but it proved a case of the team rallying, taking responsibility and plotting the way forward.
The outcome was spectacular, with the Airlie Birds winning 13 of their next 14 league games in a charge that took them to top spot at the end of the 23-round regular season.
Live Super League Super 8s
The momentum also carried them to the Challenge Cup final and Radford has no reason to fear from a psychological point of view as Hull return to Widnes for their second Super 8s fixture, live on Sky Sports 3 HD from 7.30pm.
Radford said: "We played them at home [in June] and beat them and that is not in the back of my mind either - neither of them are."
Of greater concern is his side's energy levels after the draining cup semi-final victory over Wigan a fortnight ago was followed by defeat to Castleford in the opening round of Super 8s last week.
Despite the loss Hull remain top of the table, but only on points difference from Wigan while Warrington are just a point behind.
Radford said: "We've adjusted pretty quickly and hopefully addressed where our issues were. Our energy levels weren't where they should have been last week.
"But that is part and parcel of winning a Challenge Cup semi-final. You are going to be a bit physically and mentally fatigued the week after. The game the week prior warranted being down on energy a bit, I think.
"But we have to make sure last week was a blip and get our Super 8s campaign off to a good start, because it didn't last week."
Widnes, who are seventh after losing at Catalans Dragons last week, have lost the influential Rhys Hanbury to injury as well as Chris Dean and Stefan Marsh but Radford still sees Denis Betts' men as a big threat.
"We want the best opportunity of winning, and to get that we are going to have to play well because Widnes are in the eight for a reason," said the Vikings head coach.
"Offensively they are a very good side and we are going to have to be on our mettle."
Widnes Vikings: Patrick Ah Van, Kevin Brown, Jack Buchanan, Greg Burke, Hep Cahill, Ed Chamberlain, Jay Chapelhow, Ted Chapelhow, Connor Farrell, Aaron Heremaia, Chris Houston, Jordan Johnstone, Macgraff Leuluai, Manase Manuokafoa, Joe Mellor, Charly Runciman, Corey Thompson, Lloyd White, Matt Whitley.
Hull FC: Josh Bowden, Gareth Ellis, Mahe Fonua, Chris Green, Dean Hadley, Danny Houghton, Sika Manu, Steve Michaels, Mark Minichiello, Frank Pritchard, Jamie Shaul, Marc Sneyd, Fetuli Talanoa, Scott Taylor, Jordan Thompson, Carlos Tuimavave, Danny Washbrook, Liam Watts, Kirk Yeaman.
Watch Widnes v Hull FC live on Sky Sports 3 HD on Thursday from 7.30pm. Catch the match for £6.99 on NOW TV. No contract.
