Wigan trio to return for Widnes

Dom Crosby, Logan Tomkins and Joe Mellor could all be drafted back into the Widnes Vikings squad to face Barrow.

The dual-registered trio missed last week’s Carnegie Challenge Cup tie with Hull FC, but they are set to join up with the Vikings for Thursday’s live televised Co-operative Championship fixture.

Widnes coach Denis Betts said: “It gives me a good headache, because all of a sudden we’ve got blokes back for this game and we can hope for some really good performances on the back of last week.”

The Vikings lost 50-26 against Hull FC on Saturday, but Betts was far from disappointed. He said: “If the players turn up with that kind of attitude and application every week, then we can only get better.”

Barrow Raiders travel without forward Ned Catic, who was given a four-match suspension by the RFL’s disciplinary panel on Tuesday night.

However, Richard Fletcher could return to Nigel Wright’s squad after overcoming a knee problem.

Last week Barrow beat Dewsbury 18-14 in a thrilling match that has given Wright plenty of confidence.

Now the Raiders coach has challenged his side to put on a performance for the watching television audience.

He said: “It’s time to perform. We need to put on a showpiece.”