Betts admits squad morale issues

Widnes coach Denis Betts admits his main task has been to lift the spirits of a downbeat squad ahead of tomorrow’s clash with table-topping Featherstone.

Widnes lost 56-16 against Featherstone in their last match, and since then the club has told 13 members of the first team squad that they will not be retained for 2012.

Betts said: “It’s been a tough week mentally, trying to get the lads back on track. It’s been a tough ask for the players to get them up for a game against the best side in the competition.

“It’s not an ideal situation, but it’s the situation this club is in this year. We have to cope with it.”

He added: “Our biggest problem isn’t so much injuries or unavailability – it’s the mental state of our group.”

Matty Dale (dislocated fingers), Tony Tonks (arm) and Ben Kaye all face fitness tests before Daryl Powell names his squad for the trip to the Stobart Stadium.

Powell said: “We’re a little bit busted, but we’ll see how the guys pull up.

“We’ll go to Widnes trying to wrap up the League Leaders’ Shield up. Hopefully we can do that.”