Vikings ready to make history at Langtree Park

5:44pm Wednesday 18th January 2012

By Mike Critchley

VIKINGS put the finishing touches to their pre-season campaign on Friday night (8pm) when they make history in St Helens.

As a thank you for hosting the Saints during their year on the road while their new stadium was being constructed Widnes will be the first opposition team to play at the 18,000 capacity Langtree Park stadium.

But it is what happens on the pitch that will be the concern for Denis Betts and his men.

After losing to Warrington and beating Swinton in the two curtain raisers so far, the traditional Karalius Cup game against last year’s Super League runners up will give the Vikings another early showing of what to expect in the top flight after an absence of six years.

Each game at this stage helps knit the side together, getting the new boys that make up up the spine of the team at numbers one, six, seven and nine working together effectively will be key to Vikings making a good impression for the Super League baptism at home to Wakefield on Friday, February 3.

Coach Denis Betts has stressed that at this stage it is all about patiently improving performances, individually and as a team - and a squad of 20 players will get a run out.

There will be some interesting match-ups, but the most fascinating duel could be at hooker where former Saint Scott Moore comes up against England number nine James Roby.

And Paddy Flynn, too, is looking forward to facing his hometown team and pitting himself against Jamie Foster.

As this is Saints’ only friendly of the season, Royce Simmons is fielding his strongest available squad - including internationals Roby and Jon Wilkin.

However, they are going to be without Michael Shenton, Tony Puletua and skipper Paul Wellens.

Although it is classed as only a friendly - this historical game is being eagerly anticipated - not just in St Helens.

Vikings were given another small batch of 100 standing tickets which will be on sale until 5pm today, or sooner if they are all sold.

There will be no pay at the turnstiles facility at Langtree Park on match night.

Fans are advised to follow signs for town centre parking and then walk to the stadium.

Meanwhile Betts has revealed that Vikings have room in their Super League squad for two more players but will only make signings if the right men become available.

“We’re looking at a couple of players but, as it stands, we’ve got nothing committed,” said the head coach.

“We’ve still got two spots available but it has to be the right players, who are going to add to our organisation.