WIDNES Vikings will be looking to get a psychological boost in their first home game since May when they tackle on Hull Kingston Rovers on Saturday (3pm).

Vikings have been on the road for five consecutive games and this is Francis Cummins’ first home game since he took the head coach’s role.

Although the game will do nothing to change Vikings’ position on the league table, Cummins feels that it would give them a boost ahead of the Qualifiers.

Cummins said: “We want to win — and want every bonus we can.

“The bonus would be that a win would psychologically be a big help because we have lost a fair few games on the run.

“Hopefully we can get our bit done and put them in a tailspin.”

Vikings have lost their last 13 games, with the 36-6 defeat at leaders St Helens being the latest.

But it is the memories of the last of those defeats at Halton Stadium - against Wakefield on 25 May - that Cummins would like to erase.

“The last time we were at home it was not a nice experience for anyone - and that hurt us,” Cummins said.

“The Wakefield game was awful - and that was both teams - and it was not nice to be around that situation.

“We want to do our best for the supporters and hopefully they will do their best by us.

“This game is a way of us restarting everything - a re-booting.

“We have got to do our bit. We have got to start well and can’t afford to slip up like we did at the weekend at the start of the game because Hull KR are playing well.

“We have got to give the crowd something to get excited about - I am sure they will do that, provided we do our bit.”

Vikings will make a call on Weller Hauraki’s injury on Wednesday.

Chris Houston, who missed Friday to be at the birth of his son, is available for selection.

Vikings have signed the Grand Final and World Club Challenge winning centre Anthony Gelling on a two-year deal.

Gelling will link up with the Vikings for the start of the 2019 season, moving from the NRL side, New Zealand Warriors.

The deal, for a player who established himself as one of the Super League’s leading performers, demonstrates the club’s ambition – bringing an experienced leader to feature alongside the Vikings’ burgeoning young talent.

The charismatic centre is renowned on these shores for his six-season spell with Wigan Warriors between 2012 and 2017, where he scored 52 tries in 115 games. He went on to become a cult figure with players, staff and supporters alike for his blistering performances on the field, as well as his infectious character off it.

With appearances in two Grand Finals, a Challenge Cup Final and a World Club Challenge victory under his belt, Anthony brings proven quality and experience at the highest level of the game.

The Cook Islands international will add leadership, unpredictability, and skill to the Vikings’ backline, whilst displaying an eye for the try-line with an almost 1-in-2 record during his career in the sport.

Gelling has impressed in his recent performances for New Zealand Warriors, scoring a try in his most recent appearance for them last weekend, against Cronulla Sharks.

Gelling has already gained the respect of Vikings supporters, having attended several Vikings fixtures during his time in the Super League and celebrated the club in a personal blog at the start of this season.

In the article, he said that he has “always kept one eye out for the black and white army.”

Francis Cummins, Interim Head Coach of Widnes Vikings, said: “Anthony is a tremendous signing for the club. We’ve been working really hard to find a calibre of player who will enhance our team, and I believe that Anthony is that type of player.

“Anthony has been one of our top targets, as we have planned for next season, and James Rule has been in regular conversation with him over the past couple of months to help make this deal happen.

“Anthony has an ‘X Factor’ about him, with the ability to produce something out of nothing in a way that few others in the modern game can replicate. Players of his quality are few and far between, and we are excited that he will be representing our club.

“Clearly Widnes Vikings have experienced challenges this season, but we are planning for a brighter future.

This team has genuine potential for the seasons ahead and having had opportunity to sign for several other leading clubs, it is satisfying to know that Anthony strongly believes in what we are building here.

“A signing like this sends a message out on many levels, and tells everybody that we’re not willing to accept the current situation we’re in. We will be looking to bring further quality into the team for the coming season, and key to this is the ongoing backing and investment of our Members and supporters.

“As a club, both on and off the field, we are stronger for their support, so thank you to everyone who is giving their continued backing to the team.”

Gelling said: “I’m delighted to be joining Widnes Vikings. Looking at the talent at the club, their players who have re-signed, and the young lads who are coming through, I believe that the Vikings have real potential for the seasons ahead.

“Before signing this deal, I spoke in length to James Rule.

“He shared the club’s vision for the coming seasons and I’m very excited to have the opportunity to be part of this.

“Widnes have had a tough season this year, but I know that we can turn this around. I am looking forward to linking up with the boys next year in 2019 and to making a difference to the side.

“I know from experience that the Vikings have brilliant supporters and I can’t wait to get out in front of them next year.”