WIDNES Vikings travel to France on Saturday seeking their first win of the season — and their first ever Super League victory in Perpignan.

Nobody is under any illusions of how tough it will be against a side that has looked impressive and solid in their first two outings.

The Dragons’ two wins out of two against Warrington and Hull FC contrasts starkly with Vikings’ two home defeats.

But after showing signs of improvement in the defeat by Wigan, Betts was hopeful his charges can rise to the challenge.

He said: “Catalans are firing at the moment but that is the challenge for us, especially knowing that we have never won in Catalans.”

There has once again been a significant turnover of playing staff, with Dragons bringing in a player who Betts believes could be the star of Super League - Greg Bird.

“Sam Moa was a pretty good signing and Greg Bird could be an outstanding signing for rugby league in this part of the world.

“He could be the one that galvanises them into something that is really impressive.

“In the halves they have Richie Myler and Luke Walsh; all in all they are a pretty solid group of players.

“They are a big strong unit; defensively they had to be better but Bird and Moa do that really well,” he said “Both of their back rowers in Justin Horo and Benjamin Garcia are big strong units too,” he said.

Betts reported no injuries from last Friday’s defeat so was hopeful of heading to France with the same group of 19.

He is keen to see the Danny Craven-Chris Bridge partnership develop in the absence of Tom Gilmore and Joe Mellor.

Betts said: “Danny has loads of ability and is a great kid.

“He is a bit more mature now and knows he had got to start delivering.

“He is pretty comfortable at the moment knowing what is expected of him, his footwork is great and he strong in the tackle.

“He just needs to believe he can be a really good player.”