Super League: Widnes coach Denis Betts ready for 2015 challenge
Wednesday 21 January 2015 17:08, UK
Widnes coach Denis Betts hopes the club can continue on an upward curve this season.
The Vikings, who returned to Super League in 2012, were named Club of the Year following their impressive campaign in 2014 when they reached the play-offs for the first time after finishing eighth in the table.
Former captain Jon Clarke, who retired at the end of last season to join the backroom staff, is the only notable loss from last season’s squad, while Betts has brought in hooker Aaron Heremaia and forwards Gil Dudson, Manase Manuokafoa and Chris Clarkson, who is on a year-long loan from Leeds.
"We're in a good place," Betts said. "The big challenge we set ourselves constantly is not to take a backwards step, but it becomes really tough when you have a big year.
"Now this year, as (Sky pundit and former Widnes player) Terry O'Connor points out, we have to reach the top six and win the Challenge Cup to get better.
"Everybody has gone out and spent a load of money, but we've a lot of faith in this group. We've brought a couple of people in that are going to really add quality to us.
"We've strengthened ourselves with a bit more size and given ourselves a bit more experience after losing Jon Clarke by bringing in Aaron Heremaia and I also expect people like Chris Dean, Joe Mellor and Lloyd White to really step forward."
