VIKINGS scrum half Joe Mellor has highlighted the importance of the fans in the lead up to the big game tonight.

Widnes host 2014 Grand Final runners-up Wigan Warriors in front of the Sky TV cameras at the Select Security Stadium, kick off 8pm.

Mellor, who will be playing against his former club having signed for Widnes from the Warriors as a 19-year-old, said: “I think it’s going to be a massive game as the first match of Super League 2015, with a massive crowd in the stands as well.

“The noise in the stands really makes us fire up for the game and I know the players are really looking forward to hearing the Vikings supporters at our games again this year.

“I know everyone is excited about getting out on the field and putting in a great performance to kick off our 2015 season.”

Mellor says the players have been working their socks off in pre-season to make sure they are ready for the challenge of doing battle with Wigan’s star-studded squad – and he is certainly no exception!

“We have been training hard for four months in pre-season,” Mellor says. “We know our first game against Wigan will be tough.

“We know what they can do on the pitch and we have got to match them.

“They are very physical and they are a very good team, but I think we are a very good team as well and I think we can match them on and off the field.”

The club is appealing for fans to turn out in force for their opening fixture and for the new Super League season in general.

Widnes’ chief executive James Rule said: “The players can’t wait to run out at home at the Select Security Stadium on Thursday and are hoping to play in front of a massive crowd.

“Last year was the club’s best ever year in Super League. This year we are hoping to do even better and are looking to improve on and off the field.

“The atmosphere at the Select Security Stadium was incredible last season thanks to the brilliant Vikings supporters.

“The players will be lifted by the fans’ support on Thursday and in all our other games, so make sure you come along and help the team in their bid to have a really good season this year.”