VIKINGS fans will get a first glimpse of Corey Thompson when he makes his debut on the wing in the traditional festive friendly against Warrington Wolves.

The 25-year-old utility back, who has signed from NRL giants Canterbury Bulldogs on for a two-year deal, will be the only one of the new recruits making lining up on December 27.

Fellow Australian Chris Houston is still in Australia where his wife is due to give birth, but he will arrive at the club in January.

Other signings Chris Bridge and Setaimata Sa will sit this game out, along with skipper Kevin Brown, but they will feature in January’s friendlies.

Coach Denis Betts will pick a 21-man squad, with the likes of Thompson, Charly Runciman, Joe Mellor, Lloyd White, Stef Marsh, Aaron Heremaia and Gil Dudson joining a smattering of young players.

Betts said: "I am going to pick 21 and out of that there will be a couple of exciting kids that we have found over the years.

"Both the Chapelhows, (Ted and James) will be in the team and I will be looking at giving 16 year-old Danny Walker some time on the field because he has been impressive in pre-season,

"This will give him a taste of playing in front of a big crowd for his team.

"It is exciting to see these kids, who, although not ready for Super League, are knocking on the door, working really hard and don’t look out of place.

"Although Houston is not here yet, he is really excited, watching tapes on us and asking questions all the time.

"He will give us a real boost when he gets over in January.

"Sa and Bridge are different levels of quality – and we are looking forward to seeing them against Halifax and St Helens."

Although only a friendly, Betts said his team will be going out to do its best against a strong Wolves side.

“It is one of those games that has been here since I have been here. We work towards it, but its not something that drives us.

"We want to get a win because it is against Warrington and that fires up a bit of passion within the town and the team.

“It is not a massive game in that sense that it leads to nothing apart from bragging rights, but it is a game that we want to play well in and want to win," he said.