WIDNES Vikings boss Denis Betts insists that Thursday’s derby against Warrington Wolves is not a “dead rubber” despite the real business starting in a fortnight.

After this weekend’s matches the competition will split, with Vikings, Wolves, Leigh and Catalans, plus the top four from the Championship, starting from scratch in the Qualifiers.

Vikings are seeking a confidence boost as they begin their fight for Super League survival.

Betts said: “We are in a negative loop at the moment, but the beauty of this comp is that is is a fresh start with the points being scratched in a mini season in itself.”

On the injury front Aaron Heremaia was due to go for a scan yesterday and there is a possibility he may not play again this year.

Elsewhere Betts said a few players had bangs on the head and others were carrying bumps that would be assessed during the short week.

“We are a bit battered at the moment but our egos are battered more than anything.

“The Warrington game is not a dead rubber – it is a local derby against a fierce rival that will want to put us to the sword if we don’t turn up with the right attitude.

“That would not be good for us, the town or the players.

“We have got to get our completion right, we have to be up in the top 80s and keep hold of the ball to be competitive.

“It is little things like losing the ball in contact that are hurting us,” he said.

Tom Armstrong returns to the squad after injury, with Greg Burke, Ed Chamberlain, Jay Chapelhow and Alex Gerrard back in the mix.

Rangi Chase and Chris Houston, however, do not play.

Vikings 19-man squad: Armstrong, Brand, Buchanan, Burke, Cahill, Chamberlain, Chapelhow, Dudson, Gerrard, Johnstone, Manuokafoa, Marsh, Mellor, Olbison, Runciman, Thompson,Walker, Walker, Whitley.