HEP Cahill is looking forward to starting Widnes Vikings’ Super 8s campaign this Friday, with the huge derby fixture against Warrington Wolves.

The 30-year old recently put pen-to-paper on a new two-year deal at the Club, and has been in fine form since returning from injury midway through the 2017 season.

The loose forward says the new competition brings a new mindset for the Club.

“We’ve got to take each game as it comes. It’s a clean slate for us as a group and we’re doing a lot of work on the field to get ready for the game on Friday night.”

“We have a fresh start and we know what we have to do to finish well in the Qualifiers.”

The Vikings open their Super 8s campaign against local rivals Warrington Wolves on Friday night.

Hep says that he, along with the rest of the team, are fully focussed on getting the result over Tony Smith’s side at the Halton Stadium.

“I can’t wait for it, especially with it being at home as well,”

“The boys have been ripping in and training hard all week to prepare for it. It’s our first game and we need to make a statement ahead of the rest of the Qualifiers.”

Denis Betts’ side come into this game on the back of a two-week break following the conclusion of the regular season.

With a lot of time being spent on the training field – including sessions off-site at Edge Hill University, Cahill says the players are ready for these next seven fixtures.

“It was good for us to have that break because of the Challenge Cup,” he said.

“It gave us the chance to get a few bodies back and get on the field to train. We’ve been poor at times this year, so for us to open the campaign against Warrington is a good opportunity to make a statement.

“A good start and victory would be huge for us. We’re making sure we’re fully focused for this game, and hopefully having some senior players back will be a big boost for us and we can’t wait to start in front of our fans.”

Importantly, the Vikings are set to be boosted by the return of several key players, including Rangi Chase, Lloyd White and Rhys Hanbury.

Cahill believes this will give the Vikings an added edge.

“Having the extra men back, like Rhys with the talk and direction he gives, as well as Rangi and Lloyd, is huge. I’m excited that we’ll have some extra depth and experience on the field. It’s going to be a great game,” he said.