WIDNES are bracing themselves for a physical challenge on Saturday (4pm) against a newly-promoted Leigh outfit spearheaded by Vikings old boy Gareth Hock.

Leigh’s old heads have helped build Leigh Sports Village into something of a fortress, toppling high profile neighbours St Helens and Warrington already this season.

And they will fancy their chances against an injury-hit Vikings side still wondering where their first win of the campaign is going to come from.

Denis Betts warned: “Leigh are a mature, experienced side who are enjoying their rugby having come into the season without many giving them a chance.

“They are a very physical side and a different animal at home than away and their record speaks for itself.

“Gareth Hock carries the ball as if he wants to win the collision and hits you as if he wants to hurt you.

“Danny Tickle, Micky Higham, Atelea Vea and Harrison Hansen - are Super League players who are playing well with some physicality.

“But these are the challenges you want as a player and that is what we have tried to sell to the lads.

“They are going to come after us - they will think we are weak and mentally not on the ball.

“We will have to go there and prove differently.”

On the injury front prop Manase Manuokafoa has a chance of playing this week and Greg Burke is back training after a foot injury.

Tom Gilmore returns to full training next week with Joe Mellor likely to join him the following week.

Lloyd White picked up a knock and will be out until the Warrington game at Easter.

The early indications are that Aaron Heremaia and Jordan Johnstone’s head knocks both seem ok.

Tom Armstrong played last week despite suffering food poisoning.