Widnes Vikings finished 8th in the 2022 Betfred Championship, two place below the end of season Play-Offs.
The Vikings won 12 of their 27 league fixtures, in a season disrupted by injuries and the departure of Head Coach Simon Finnigan in April 2022.
Ryan O’Brien took charge of the side on an interim basis after Finnigan’s exit and managed to steer the side towards the play-off places, following a consistent run of performances during the second half. This includes five successive victories over London Broncos, Workington Town, Dewsbury Rams, Newcastle Thunder, and Batley Bulldogs.
Fast forward to 2023, the club has recruited experienced coach John Kear as it looks to rebuild itself in the second tier, with the long-term goal of returning to the Betfred Super League.
Kear has managed to lure several experienced and talented players to the DCBL Stadium for 2023, including former St Helens forward Kyle Amor, prolific try scorer Kieran Dixon from Leigh Leopards, Hull FC’s Jordan Johnstone and Batley’s Tom Gilmore.
If the players buy into Kear’s style of play, there’s no reason Widnes can’t compete in the upper half of the table this season.
Transfers In:
- Kyle Amor (St Helens)
- Jordan Johnstone (Hull FC)
- Kieran Dixon (Leigh Leopards)
- Tom Gilmore (Batley Bulldogs)
- Max Roberts (Swinton Lions)
- Callum Field (Featherstone Rovers)
- Lewis Hatton (Swinton Lions)
- Ryan Millar (Bradford Bulls)
- Will Evans (Whitehaven)
Transfers Out:
- Matty Smith (Retired)
- Ste Tyrer (Retired)
- Levy Nzoungou (Unattached)
- Lloyd Roby (Keighley Cougars)
- Kenny Baker (Swinton Lions)
- Jake Spedding (Swinton Lions)
- Lewis Hulme (Unattached)
- Dec Gregory
One to watch:
Following his exit from Leigh Leopards, experienced winger and full-back Kieran Dixon has rejoined Widnes after his successful loan spell in 2022.
A proven try scorer and goal kicker in the Championship, the 30-year-old has racked up more than 1,100 career points and could prove key as the Vikings look to mount a potential play-off push in 2023.
Widnes Vikings kick off their 2023 Betfred Championship campaign at York Knights on Sunday 5th February, with kick-off at 15:00.
