Whitley: We won’t take Fax lightly

Widnes forward Matt Whitley says the Vikings won’t be underestimating Halifax when the two sides meet this weekend.

Last year Fax fought back from 16-0 down to earn a 16-16 draw in their friendly.

Widnes have already suffered one pre-season defeat, a 28-18 loss to Warrington.

“It’s definitely going to be a tough game,” Whitley said.

“Halifax are a good side, so we’re not going to take things lightly. As a team, we’re going to look to play well and make sure we put out our best performance on Sunday.

“I thought that we played well for the majority of the Warrington game. It was just for little moments in the game that we dropped off and they punished us for it.

“But we have been training hard all over pre-season to make sure that we get things right in these fixtures so when the season starts in February, we’re ready.”

Whitley is looking forward to a big season after being given number 12 shirt by head coach Denis Betts.

“I was absolutely made up to be given the number 12 shirt,” the second-rower said.

“It’s down to me now to make sure that I don’t lose it. I’ve got to put in the performances over the season to earn it.”

“2016 was a great season for me, but that has now gone and I’ve got to put it behind me. I’m looking to improve this season and hopefully in turn I will become a better player over the year.”