Widnes dealt another long-term injury blow

Widnes will be without star winger Ryan Millar for up to two months after he underwent surgery on a bicep injury.

The 28-year-old sustained the injury during last month’s 26-18 win over Keighley.

Millar made the decision to continue to playing whilst awaiting a date for surgery. The Germany-born winger has scored five tries in as many matches this season. He is expected to be out for up to eight weeks.

Elsewhere, half-back Tom Gilmore is in the early stages of rehabilitation after undergoing successful surgery on a pectoral injury.

Another player who has also gone under the knife is Max Roberts, who successfully underwent ankle surgery earlier this week. He will now begin early rehabilitation in the coming days.

Forward Owen Farnworth is continuing his graded return to training following illness. The club say the 24-year-old is progressing well and expects him to be available for their Good Friday clash against Swinton.

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John Kear’s side do have a couple of positive bits of injury news. Hooker Jordan Johnstone (shoulder) and winger Ollie Brookes (hamstring) could return for this weekend’s Challenge Cup clash with Wests Warriors.

Kieran Dixon continues to recover from the illness which saw him miss last weekend’s defeat at Sheffield. He is unlikely to play this weekend, but should  return for the Vikings’ next Championship match against Toulouse on Saturday, March 18.

The Vikings are fifth in the Championship table, having won three from five so far in 2023. They welcome Southern Conference League champions Wests Warriors to the DCBL Stadium in the Challenge Cup third round, 3pm kick-off.

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