It almost went down to the wire but Widnes guaranteed their Super League status in the very final Qualifiers fixture with a brilliant win away at Catalans Dragons.
They begin the year similar to how they started 2017, with many tipping them for a struggle again in the coming months.
Coach Denis Betts has been busy reshaping his squad over the close-season as they aim to prove the doubters wrong again this campaign.
ON THE MONEY 💷@WidnesRL's @StefMarsh3 with a Million Pound try saving tackle on Lewis Tierney 💪 pic.twitter.com/m1s1QVHhyI
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 24, 2017
Brothers Stanton and Wellington Albert are both set to be on board after impressing with Papua New Guinea at the World Cup, with former Catalans Dragons centre Krisnan Inu the other headline signing of the summer.
The Vikings begin the campaign with a very winnable home tie against Catalans before a heavy run of fixtures against Castleford, Warrington, Leeds and Wigan.
One to Watch: Krisnan Inu
Powerful centre Inu is an excellent addition to the Vikings squad, following his departure from Perpignan at the end of last season.
The 30-year-old New Zealander is a perfect replacement for Chris Bridge who was forced to retire at the end of last season after a succession of injuries.
FLOORED ✋@DragonsOfficiel's @krisnan_inu lands a massive tackle on Kyran Johnson on Saturday pic.twitter.com/DXdCHpkRiP
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 13, 2017
Transfers In
Stanton Albert (PNG Hunters)
Wellington Albert (PNG Hunters)
Krisnan Inu (Catalans Dragons)
Sam Wilde (Warrington Wolves)
Transfers Out
Tom Armstrong (Toronto Wolfpack)
Chris Bridge (Retired)
Jack Buchanan (Released)
Manase Manuokafoa (Racing Club Albi XIII)
Eamon O’Carroll (Retired)
Corey Thompson (Wests Tigers)
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First Six Fixtures
Catalans Dragons (Home)
Castleford Tigers (Away)
Warrington Wolves (Home) – Sky Sports
Leeds Rhinos (Home)
Wigan Warriors (Away)
Wakefield Trinity (Away)
