Mellor wants Widnes to put season behind them

Widnes half-back Joe Mellor says the Vikings must put the Super League season behind them as they start afresh in The Qualifiers against Warrington on Friday.

They won just five of their 23 games in the regular season to finish bottom of the table, and are favourites to appear in the Million Pound Game.

Mellor told the club’s official website: “I think we’ve got to put the Super League season behind us and start afresh.

“Everybody starts on 0 points, so we’ve got to be prepared for these big games and make sure we’re ready to go from the outset.

“We had four days off following the Warrington game, and I think it’s been good for us. It has allowed us to rest the mind, as well as the body. We’ve been training really well since and everyone has come back excited for the competition.”

Mellor has had an injury hit season and isn’t the only Widnes player to have his season hampered by injury.

The Vikings have used 39 players this season, more than any other club.

He added: “We had an idea of who would be in the Qualifiers with us, so now it’s confirmed we’re just looking forward to getting stuck in and playing. 

“They’re all going to be tough games, and we know that we are going have to turn up and be prepared to face each side.”

“We’ve been in this competition two years ago, so we have an idea of what we’re heading into. Obviously, being here is not ideal for the Club. We’d rather be looking at the top eight, rather than the Qualifiers, but I know we’ve got a strong enough squad to get the wins to keep us in Super League.”

Widnes start at home to Warrington this weekend before travelling to Halifax on Sunday week.