Houston believes Super League is closing the gap on NRL

Widnes back rower Chris Houston feels that the World Club Series results show that Super League is closing the quality gap that exists between the competition and the NRL.

Warrington beat Brisbane and Wigan beat Cronulla last weekend, and Houston believes that better coaching is improving the standard in the UK.

“As you saw from the weekend, there’s not a great deal of difference in the leagues,” he said.

“They’ve come over here, and this year we’ve sort of taken a step up in Super League, and maybe Wayne Bennett’s coaching of the England side has got a bit to do with that.

“All players are probably getting a bit fitter and a bit better, and a bit more skilful, with the amount of training we’re doing.

“I think the gap is slowly closing.”

Widnes face Wigan on Friday night in a game that has now been switched to the Select Security stadium after concerns about the pitch at Wigan’s DW Stadium.

“We can’t wait to get out there,” he said.

“We’ve had some good challenges against Wigan in the last 12 months. They’re the benchmark side, so you always want to test yourself against the best.

“They come hard and fast and we’re going to have to match that.”