WIDNES Vikings are without four of their front line props for Friday’s Super League opener against Huddersfield Giants (8pm).

Injuries had already struck down Eamon O’Carroll, who will be out for 12 weeks, and Alex Gerrard, but then Manase Manuokafoa was added to that missing list when he picked up a two-match ban after being found guilty of dangerous contact in tackle that left St Helens scrum half with a broken leg.

And to compound their misery now Jack Buchananwill not play in what will be a tough opener against a Giants side who impressed in nilling Warrington in a friendly last week.

The absentees would leave big Welshman Gil Dudson and Greg Burke as the only established props, so Vikings may either play the Chapelhow twins or use more experienced back rowers Hep Cahill, Chris Houston and Macgraff Leuluai in the middle.

Tom Olbison, the new recruit from Bradford, may also get a job in the middle after some strong and energetic displays in the two friendlies that he has played.

The start of the campaign was already going to be tough, with scrum half Joe Mellor sidelined with a PCL knee ligament injury meaning the new halves pairing will have to get bedded in.

In the trial games Danny Craven had partnered Tom Gilmore, but the experienced Chris Bridge may be called up to steer the side from the halves.

Betts said: “Danny Craven has trained well and gives me an option there, he has ability, is brave and has a really good kicking game.

“Chris Bridge has played six. He is comfortable in that position and if you get him with the ball in his hand pretty regular he can do some damage.

“You know he is going to have guile to create opportunities.”

Vikings 19-man: Tom Armstrong, Chris Bridge, Greg Burke, Hep Cahill, Jay Chapelhow, Ted Chapelhow, Danny Craven, Gil Dudson, Tom Gilmore, Rhys Hanbury, Aaron Heremaia, Chris Houston, MacGraff Leuluai, Stefan Marsh, Tom Olbison, Charly Runciman, Corey Thompson, Lloyd White, Matt Whitley.