18 January 2014

2014 Preview - Widnes Vikings

2013 definitely showed development for Widnes despite inconsistencies in performance. More players started to look like Super League standard.

That is a good thing as they haven't been able to go big in the transfer market this time round - four men out and four in, plus a loan for Rhodri Lloyd from Wigan. Danny Tickle is the big signing and, with Danny Galea, will replace Gareth Hock and Frank Winterstein. Work rate and defence should be upgraded, but that's two attacking threats on the fringes that will be hard to replace. Tickle made over ten more tackles per game than Hock and Winterstein, but they were three times as likely to score or set up a try than Tickle - Galea didn't play first grade in 2013 so we have no numbers on him, but he hasn't  exactly been a prolific try scorer when he has played NRL.

Paul Johnson is a direct replacement for retired Ben Cross. Again a little attack might be lost as Cross was more a bit likely to bust a tackle and get an offload away, but Johnson works harder, tackles better, gains more ground and is more likely to be fit to play. Liam Carberry is the interesting signing. He potentially offers some speed out of dummy half that will be a benefit. He will offer a good change up to Jon Clarke, the only real recognised hooker with much experience, who at 34 is the fourth oldest players in the league.

Rhys Hanbury will be the star of the show. He made more clean breaks than any player in Super League last year and scored or set up a massive 35% of Widnes' tries in games he played. It was the kind of form that really should have had him in the conversation for the end of season awards and the Vikings will be good to watch in 2014 if he can pay in the same way again.
 
The Vikings will possibly lack sufficient strength in depth to worry the playoffs looking at the size and makeup of their squad. 30 players have been given squad numbers but there are a few who you have to feel would struggle to get a place in any of the top 8 team squads. Kevin Brown and Joe Mellor are the only real recognised stand off and scrum half, with all the other options being bits and pieces players who cover a number of positions without real distinction.
 
League Leaders Odds: 250/1
Grand Final Odds: 125/1
Cup Odds: 80/1
(source: Oddschecker.com)

Mark's predictions:
League place - 10th
Key man - Rhys Hanbury
One to watch - Liam Carberry

Tom's predictions:
League place - 11th
Key man - Rhys Hanbury
One to watch - Liam Carberry

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