Craven’s new role paying dividends

Denis Betts believes Danny Craven’s hat-trick at Leigh Centurions last weekend proved he is getting to grips with a new role at Widnes Vikings.

Craven played as a full-back while on loan at Featherstone Rovers last season, but Betts has switched the 25-year-old to stand-off this term.

Widnes head to Wakefield on Friday looking for their second win of the campaign, but are rated as outsiders to win the game with http://www.critical-reviews.com.

However, Betts believes Craven’s switch will continue to pay dividends in the coming weeks.

“His first two or three touches were outstanding and his kicking game was good,” Betts told the club’s official website.

“He’s got a turn of pace and what was pleasing was he spotted things that we spoke about in the week. Danny’s started to see the game from that position and he’s only six or seven games into it.

“He’s seeing the possibilities of when to run, when to pass or when to kick and his confidence is just getting better and better.

“Danny’s got all the ability to do what he did on the weekend – his support try was fantastic. It was a classic half-back try, but his other two tries as well – spotting a weakness in the defensive line and acceleration, the way he carries the ball gives us a threat.

“You always knew there was a lot of ability there, but he just had to believe in himself. People around him were fed up of telling him how good he was.

“He’s gone out, seen what the world’s like outside of this club and he’s toughed it out.

“We lost three of our starting halves and it’s given Danny an opportunity to play in the team regularly and we’re starting to see the benefit of that.”