Widnes: Qualifiers preview

We take a look at the Super League season gone by for Widnes, and preview their Qualifier hopes.

Story so far:

A funny season for Widnes, who produced a few marvellous performances that suggested they’d be in with a shout at making the top eight. Victories over Leeds and Warrington, plus a draw with Wigan at the Select Security Stadium, were particular highlights, but Widnes lost 13 times and drew once.

They never put together enough of a consistent patch of form to trouble those looking down precariously, which is disappointing considering they almost beat Warrington in the play-offs last time around.

What’s gone right:

Strange to say for a side that missed out on the Super 8s, but Widnes were competitive throughout the season. Barring a shocker at Salford and a humbling at Headingley, they didn’t really get taken apart much throughout the year - unlike some of the sides around them.

They never conceded over 40 points and have by far the best defence of the sides in the Middle 8s. A 38-24 win over Leeds and a 46-16 win over Castleford show exactly what Widnes can do when they turn up. More of that needed next season.

What’s gone wrong:

A couple of really bad patches. They won just once in their first five matches, before losing five in a row between June and July. And that run doesn’t include a dismal display at Salford, losing 36-8 back in March. Widnes missed out on the 8s by just a point and Denis Betts will point to those barren spells in the season as to where it all went wrong.

Middle 8 chances:

There shouldn’t be too many sleepless nights for Widnes. On paper, they look far too strong to worry about those below them overtaking, and with the four homes games, including one against Hull KR, behind them, Widnes should secure Super League status convincingly.

The key to the Middle 8s is learning as much as possible in the rest of the season so they can guarantee they aren’t down here again next year.

One to watch:

Only one choice here. Kevin Brown is far and away the best player to step out onto the Widnes turf, and how Denis Betts must be cursing that they can’t keep him fit for a full season. He contributed 14 tries, 18 try assists and 73 attacking kicks, proving what a quality player he still is by churning out consistent performances week after week.

Brown should be an example to all those around him and will destroy teams in the coming weeks if he plays to his normal standard.