Preview: Widnes v Featherstone

Kirk Netherton could make his Vikings debut after joining the club on loan from Castleford, while Jim Gannon and Scott Yates both face late fitness tests.

Wigan winger Shaun Ainscough has also linked up with the Vikings again on a dual-registration deal, and is likely to go straight into Paul Cullen’s squad.

Thomas Coyle (arm) and Mark Smith (cheekbone) remain sidelined along with Dave Allen and Daniel Heckenberg.

Widnes produced a remarkable 32-24 win at Batley last week despite their incredible injury list, and Cullen is hoping for more of the same.

He said: “This will be the toughest game we have played all year. It is the same backs-against-the-wall mantra.”

Rovers forward Jon Grayshon faces a fitness test after suffering a foot injury during Featherstone’s 76-12 win against Keighley.

Coach Daryl Powell said: “There’s more to come from us in terms of performance, and we need to build consistency. We won’t be getting carried away.”

Powell must steer his team into action just six days after tragedy struck the club when 19-year-old hooker Gareth Swift was killed in a car accident.