WIDNES Vikings kick off a huge weekend double header with a home game against Leigh Centurions followed by an Easter Monday trip to York.

The game against coach Kieron Purtill’s former club will be eagerly anticipated ­— especially as the Centurions are going well and almost shocked Hull KR in the Challenge Cup.

“Leigh are playing really well at the moment; they are a physical team with a lot of experience and real seasoned pros in there.

“They have some real quality and experience in their ranks and we know what Liam Hood can do.

“If we defend like we did against York, then Micky Higham and Woody will have a field day off quick play the balls.

“We are a young group that is learning but we need to be better dominating the ruck,” Purtill said.

Vikings have a lengthy casualty list and long term four week absentees are Olly Ashall Bott, Owen Buckley, Tom Gilmore and Dan Norman.

On top of that Harrison Hansen will miss Friday and probably Monday with a knee injury, Sam Freeman has ankle ligament concerns and Liam Walsh has a dead leg. Owen Farnworth (ankle) is also out and there is a doubt over Chris Dean (neck).

Purtill said: “It is a really tough time but we will see who can run on Thursday.

“It is going to be a really tough run of games but as a club we will pull through it and do our best.

“We have had a good review session this week and know the areas we need to improve on.

“We have worked on those areas but it comes down to having the right attitude and mentality on Friday and applying it.

“We have to back that up with some action - and that is what I have been disappointed with this last three games.

“We have scored at will, but when you are comig in to physical games then the little one per centers count and that is where we have dropped off as individuals and a group, but hopefully we have addressed it.”

Meanwhile, Vikings have been drawn away against Wakefield Trinity in the Sixth Round of the Coral Challenge Cup.

Purtill’s side have reached this stage by beating Oldham RLFC in Round 4, and York City Knights at home in Round 5 last weekend.

“From a club point of view we would have loved a home tie against a team with big following, but we will take a big following over there and enjoy the day,” Purtill said.

All ties for this round of the Challenge Cup will be played over the weekend of 11/12 May.