WIDNES Vikings’ second and more realistic bite at the Wembley cherry begins on Wednesday,when they take on Featherstone Rovers at the Halton Stadium (8pm).

The new competition features Betfred Championship and League 1 clubs with the finale being played after this year’s Challenge Cup Final.

But this clash presents a tough first hurdle for the Vikings, who are a different beast to the side they beat 44-22 back in March.

Coach Kieron Purtill said: “Featherstone are almost completely different to the last time we played them.

“We have to take it up another 10 per cent to get the right result because there is a lot riding on it on Wednesday.”

He has named an unchanged squad for the visit of the Rovers, as Anthony Gelling and Olly Ashall-Bott remain side lined through injury.

Widnes 19-man: Keanan Brand, Owen Buckley, Hep Cahill, Jay Chapelhow, Ted Chapelhow, Danny Craven, Chris Dean, Josh Ganson, Tom Gilmore, Harrison Hansen, Jayden Hatton, Ryan Ince, Jordan Johnstone, MacGraff Leuluai, Joe Lyons, Dan Norman, Jack Owens, Brad Walker, Sam Wilde.

There will be a familiar face in the Featherstone line-up with Wellington Albert coming in on dual-registration from Leeds Rhinos.

Vikings will have to keep an eye on halfback Dane Chisholm, who since joining the Rovers has been instrumental in convincing wins over York City Knights and Bradford.

Featherstone 19-man: Wellington Albert, James Beckett, Conor Carey, Dane Chisholm, Luke Cooper, John Davies, Dale Ferguson, Josh Hardcastle, James Harrison, Corey Johnson, Makahesi Makatoa, Daniel Maskill, James McDaniel, Callum McLelland, Jack Ormondroyd, Morgan Punchard, Jack Render, Thompson Teteh, Owen Trout.