Widnes Vikings confirm another long-term injury blow

Widnes Vikings have confirmed another long-term injury blow, as well as providing the latest on Tom Gilmore following successful surgery. 

The Championship outfit will be without Max Roberts long-term following an ankle injury sustained in the pre-season fixture against Oldham.

Roberts made the move to Widnes during the off-season on a one-year deal from Swinton. He featured 23 times for the Lions last year, scoring 16 tries in total as they sealed promotion back to the Championship via the play-offs.

Prior to his move to Heywood Road, he spent the 2021 campaign at Oldham.

He is expected to miss up to five months of action due to an ankle injury that requires surgery after initial rehabilitation proved unsuccessful.

Widnes Vikings provide Tom Gilmore latest

Head coach John Kear has confirmed that he will be without star half-back Tom Gilmore for four-to-five months. The 29-year-old had undergone successful surgery on a pectoral injury this week.

Gilmore sustained the injury in their opening clash away at York in the Championship.

He returned to the DCBL Stadium from Batley in the off-season and helped put on tries for Ryan Millar and Shane Grady in their opening day 19-12 win, also kicking the drop-goal. 

Elsewhere, Owen Farnworth has been out of action due to illness. He is continuing his recovery and will then follow a graded return to training and playing.

And Ollie Brooks sustained a hamstring injury during the Oldham game and is expected to be available in the next two-to-three weeks.

Playmaker Danny Craven returned to action for the Vikings during their 26-18 home victory over Keighley, scoring on his return.

Forward Adam Lawton also returned to action during the side’s loss to Bradford last weekend, having missed out against Keighley.

Widnes host Halifax this Monday at the DCBL Stadium, live on Viaplay Sports. Season ticket holders can bring a friend to the fixture for an offer of £15 for their second home fixture of the 2023 season so far.

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