WIDNES Vikings CEO James Rule has paid tribute to the fans’ role in helping the club secure their Super League status for another season.

After finishing bottom of the Super League table after the regular rounds, a battling Qualifiers campaign saw the Vikings finish in second place after a nerve-jangling 12-10 victory in Perpignan.

Had they lost that game Denis Betts’ men would have been consigned to a do-or-die tussle against Leigh in the million pound game.

Instead they can prepare for next year in the top flight.

Rule said: “Vikings were cheered on to victory in our most important game of many years. I would like to thank each and every supporter who made that journey to France.

“The passion that you showed for your team was incredible.

“At the final whistle, the players rushed over to be with supporters, gratefully giving them their kit and embracing them in delight at securing our Super League status.

“It was a pleasure to see what your support meant to the players and in turn what their performance meant to you.

“Across homes and pubs in our local community, many more people were cheering on the boys.

“It made a real difference to us all knowing that the Borough was behind us.”