WHILE the eyes of the world focus on the World Club Challenge series this weekend, supporters of Widnes Vikings and Salford Red Devils will only have eyes for two points after their respective Giant killing exploits in Round 2 of the First Utility Super League.

Vikings full back Rhys Hanbury says that the team were always confident of a victory against the Rhinos and that the mood in the camp has been building since pre-season.

Hanbury said: "We were really confident to get the win against Leeds but to do it in the manner that we did was really pleasing.”

Hanbury’s opening performances have caught the eye ans he credits the input of assistant coach and former Challenge Cup winning full back Brett Hodgson.

He said: “I have had another year working with Hodgo.

"He always guides me on the right path. It took me a while to get going but my body feels really healthy at the moment and the footy is really enjoyable for me right now.”

Widnes came up against the Red Devils on four occasions last year with the teams taking equal spoils.

The latter of the four was a Super 8s Qualifiers game where the Vikings were defeated in their own back yard and Hanbury is looking for revenge in this re-arranged Round 11 fixture:

“They look a more balanced team this year. They have the influence of Tim Sheens and Rob Lui is a great player. We’re really going to have to work hard to get the win.

“It’s going to be a tough game going away to Salford. They did a number on us at our place in the Qualifiers last year so we will be looking to get one back on them this time.”

The Vikings have recruited a number of new faces this year including Setaimata Sa, Corey Thompson, Chris Bridge and Chris Houston. In the opening two rounds of the First Utility Super League – all have hit the ground running and Hanbury believes they can add a different dynamic to the team this year:

“To tell you the truth it feels like they’ve been here for years, everyone’s really bought into what Denis (Betts) and the coaches want and they’ve added competition for places and a fair bit of skill. Chris Houston and Setaimata Sa add a bit of punch on the edges which is going to help us throughout the year. Teams won’t be able to predict where we’re going to come as we have such talent out wide now.”

One stand out point from the opening two games has been the support from the terraces and the atmosphere generated by the #BLACKANDWHITEARMY.

Hanbury believes that this could be the difference at the AJ Bell Stadium this Sunday:

“The fans really cheer us on and it helps us massively, they probably don’t realise the impact they have. They could almost make it a home game for us at Salford.”

Tickets are on sale for this fixture are on sale now from the Vikings Superstore, located within Tesco Extra, Widnes or by calling the ticket line on 0151 495 2250(opt2).