Widnes hoping for Anthony Gelling boost

Widnes coach Kieron Purtill is hoping centre Anthony Gelling will return to action in next week’s 1895 Cup clash against Featherstone.

Gelling, 28, hasn’t featured since the Good Friday win over Leigh and has played just twice in the past two and a bit months for the Vikings.

He continues to be heavily linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season, with Warrington a likely destination.

Purtill said: “He’s started running again now, so we need to make sure he’s running and getting some metres in his legs.

“We can’t afford for him to play a game and then miss a few.

“Olly (Ashall-Bott) is the same. It’ll be good to get Jack Owens back this week, Ryan Ince came back (against York) and got a game under his belt and will be better for that.

“Jay Chapelhow will come back in to contention and Macgraff (Leuluai) as well, they had a few knocks from last week.

“We’re still battling away, we’re still trying and hopefully the fans will stick with us.”

Gelling has made eight appearances for the Vikings since joining in the off-season from New Zealand Warriors, scoring six tries.

He has only tasted defeat once in a Widnes shirt, the 30-6 loss Toronto in February.

In contrast, Widnes have lost six of the nine games he hasn’t featured in, winning only against League One side Oldham, plus perennial strugglers Rochdale and Swinton.