WIDNES Vikings’ hopes of staying on the Wembley trail face a formidable test on Friday night when they tackle Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Coach Denis Betts, who knows a thing or two about the glories of the Challenge Cup from his long stint as a player at Wigan, says Friday night is all about attitude.

Although Widnes are huge underdogs against a side packed with quality, guile and experience, Betts says that everything could change on derby night.

But if last time out is anything to go by, when Warrington came out on top 48-16, Vikings know they could be in for a torrid night.

Betts said: “When Warrington came here last time they bullied us and ran over the top of us.

“They dominated the game with skill and physicality.

“It is a derby and there is no tomorrow with the Challenge Cup – the loser leaves the room.

“Everything can change in that evening.

“These types of games are not built on home and away – they are about who turns up with the attitude and willingness of being fearless in their approach with the ball and to be ruthless without it.”

Warrington had a disappointing season last term, floundering in the league and blowing their Challenge Cup semi-final against Hull KR.

But this year, with the recruitment of Chris Sandow and especially Kurt Gidley, the Wolves look stronger.

Betts said: “There is a huge amount of talent in their team – the foundation is built on their energy and ability to compete.

“Although Sandow is the magic dust on the team, Gidley is the steel rod that has run through their attack this year when you watch him barking at people, pushing them round and cajoling people to get the best out of them.

“That was one of the things they lost when Lee Briers stepped away – the ability to tell people what to do and when.

“Kurt Gidley has been the buy of the year.”

Last time out Vikings first problem was living with a big, abrasive Wolves pack, led by Chris Hill, Ben Westwood and Ashton Sims, which laid a strong platform.

“They have people who are very confrontational, but they also play with a swagger and confidence offloading and a willingness to try things.

“We have to be attached enough to make sure the contact is right but be smart enough to pull ourselves out and deal with what is next,” Betts said.

A place in the semi final awaits the winner, with the remaining quarter final ties all-Super League encounters.

If they get past Friday’s hurdle, Vikings would be 80 minutes away from their first Wembley appearance since 1993.

Vikings have no injuries from last week’s Wigan game and there is a possibility that Setaimata Sa and Chris Houston will be available.

Stef Marsh and Eamon O’Carroll will remained sidelined.

Betts added: “We are still waiting on Houston after illness – but he is looking a lot better and looking like his normal self.

“He trained over weekend, so we will lift the intensity and hopefully he will be back in contention, it is similar with Sa.

"If we are on our game then we have a good chance of winning against the odds against a team that has recruited well over the last two years and has a good record in the Challenge Cup.

“We go there as underdogs, but we have the game and the ability to get a win,” Betts said.