WIDNES Vikings' scheduled Betfred Super League Round 19 fixture at Hull FC has been reversed.

The fixture will now be played at the Halton Stadium on Thursday, April 12 at 8pm.

Vikings were approached by Hull FC Chairman Adam Pearson to request for the fixture switch, due to unforeseen issues with hosting the game.

It means Vikings' will play their scheduled Round 19 home fixture at Hull on Friday, 29 June.

Vikings head coach Denis Betts said: “We will only accept a change to our scheduled fixtures if we believe that this is in the best interests of Widnes Vikings.

"Having reflected upon this matter with the coaching team and senior players, I believe that this change will be advantageous, enabling us to avoid two long away trips at this stage of the season.

"The game comes at the end of a busy run of fixtures for the team, who take on Warrington Wolves, St Helens, Hull KR and Hull FC in the space of a fortnight. The change in venue will remove an away trip from this long run of games, which will no doubt be beneficial for the players.”

James Rule, CEO of Widnes Vikings, said the club's primary considerations when reviewing the request was understanding how it affects both our players and supporters.

He said: "With this fixture taking place four weeks from now, we believe that the change creates the opportunity for the team to be at their most prepared, whilst also hopefully causing minimal disturbance to Members and supporters. We are grateful to our fans for their understanding with this matter.”

Sky have confirmed that they will switch the scheduled Round 11 broadcast to the Halton Stadium.