Widnes confirm opponents for Danny Craven testimonial

Widnes have announced they will welcome Batley to the DCBL Stadium on 16th January for Danny Craven’s testimonial.

The Vikings have announced this as their only friendly ahead of the 2022 season. This match will kick off at 3pm. As for Batley, they have already announced a friendly against Bradford, which is scheduled for the previous week.

The halfback has been with the club since joining the Academy in 2009. A year later, he made his debut against Whitehaven at just 18 years old.

Since then, Craven has racked up 157 appearances for the club, scoring 55 tries, kicking 43 goals and notching up seven drop-goals to amass 313 points so far.

Craven was recently taken on in a full-time role by the club on the media team.

Widnes and Batley confirm pre-season plans

Widnes start their 2022 season away to London on 30th January. They will be the first rugby league side to visit the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

They could be set for another transitional year, with several of their stars from 2021 moving to take full-time opportunities.

Deon Cross has moved up to Salford, while Jayden Hatton went full-time with Leigh and young fullback Daniel Hill has signed for St Helens.

As far as in-comings are concerned, both Sam Wilde and Ryan Ince have returned to the club, while Matty Fozard will also link up with his hometown club.

Meanwhile, Batley begin their Championship campaign at home to Halifax on the same day Widnes travel to London.

They have managed to retain a lot of the same squad that achieved a fourth-place finish in the Championship in 2021. The only exceptions are Jodie Broughton, who has retired, and Wayne Reittie, who has agreed a permanent move to Hunslet.

The Bulldogs have also brought in London pair James Meadows and Josh Hodson, as well as York winger Perry Whiteley.

Read More: Championship ins and outs for 2022: Signings and retentions club-by-club