Widnes Vikings
Encyclopedia
Widnes Vikings RLFC are an English
professional rugby league
club based in Widnes
, Cheshire
. They currently play in the Engage Super League, the top tier of European rugby league, after being awarded a license to compete in the top-flight Super League
from 2012 onward. They play their home games at Stobart Stadium Halton.
Widnes was one of the original twenty-two rugby clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union
in 1895, making them one of the world's first rugby league teams. Their traditional nickname is "The Chemics" after the main industry in Widnes
, but the club also use their more modern nickname in "The Vikings". They have a strong local rivalry with Warrington Wolves
and resisted the idea of merger with their rivals at the beginning of Super League in 1995. Before Super League they were one of the strongest teams in British rugby league
and they were dubbed "Cup Kings" after going to Wembley nearly every year in the late 1970s and early 1980s. By 1989 Widnes became the first official World Club Champions, by beating the Australian champions Canberra Raiders.
Following a brief spell in Super League (2002–05), Widnes entered into Administration following the 2007 season. This had been the result of a club which had been poorly run for several years. By November 2007 the club had been purchased by Steve O'Connor, a local businessman, who had just sold his business to the Stobart Group
. He invested a substantial amount of money into his home town club, with the dream of returning Widnes RLFC back to the glory days. By 2011, the club had successfully achieved Super League status bringing this dream one step closer to reality.
By May 1876 the club had changed its name to Widnes FC and the cricket side of the organsiation had disbanded, presumably to concentrate on football activities. By the late 1870s the club was being referred to as "The Chemicals"—subsequently shortened to 'The Chemics'.
The first ground was on Albert Road behind what is now the Premier Wetherspoon's pub and a short spell followed in the Simms Cross area. From around 1878–84 the club were based at the junction of Millfield/Peelhouse Lane, apart from season 1880–81 when they played on the Widnes Cricket Club ground at Lowerhouse Lane. From 1884–95 they rented a field at Lowerhouse Lane before moving to their third separate site on that road in October 1895. The first ever game at what later became Naughton Park
was against Liversedge on Saturday 12 October 1895.
In 1895, Widnes were founder members of the Northern Union
which broke away from the Rugby Football Union
. Their first game was an away fixture against Runcorn which they lost 15–4.
During the early years, the club often had to sell players to balance the books. The strength of junior rugby league in the area meant the club had a steady stream of new players to offset any losses.
In 1902, the Lancashire and Yorkshire leagues were combined to form a second division, Widnes was added to the first division.
In 1914, Arthur 'Chick' Johnson was capped for the Lions (captained by Harold Wagstaff) in the famous Rorke's Drift test, a match in which they overcame all the odds, and injuries to beat Australia with a depleted side of 10 against 13. He scored an extraordinary try to win the game, dribbling the ball from inside his own half.
The club's first ever success came when they won the Lancashire League trophy in the 1919–20 season. However, the 1920s saw the club almost go to the wall. Local rivals Warrington donated their share of the traditional Easter
and Christmas
derby matches to keep Widnes afloat in 1927–28.
In 1930, Widnes with 12 local-born players defied the odds to beat St Helens 10–3 to bring home the Challenge Cup
.
The Kingsway housing scheme threatened the loss of Widnes' ground. After several years of fundraising during the Great Depression
of the 1930s, £3,250 was raised to save the ground. This came with a stipulation that the ground could be sold only to the local council at the original price. The newly named Naughton Park
was opened in 1932.
A major boost for the club was Widnes' first ever trip to the Challenge Cup final, staged at Wembley. Their opponents were St. Helens, Saints scored after 6 minutes to take a 3–0 lead, but Widnes hit back with a penalty try, a further try and a penalty to take a 10–3 half-time lead. A scoreless second half meant Widnes had won the cup.
Widnes became the first club to make two trips to Wembley, with a loss to Hunslet
in the 1934 cup final.
In 1935–36, the team came close to being rugby league champions. Having finished third in the table, Widnes beat Liverpool 10–9 but lost to Hull, in the championship final. A third trip to Wembley came in 1937, with an 18–5 win over Keighley
. The final was dubbed "McCue's Match" as the halfback played an important part in the win.
Widnes dropped out of the wartime Lancashire league in 1940–41 and did not return to league competition until 1945–46.
win, with a 7–3 victory against Wigan
in 1945.
Back at Wembley in 1950, the team was beaten 19–0 by Warrington
. During this period, the club reverted to selling its players to richer teams.
Local man Vince Karalius
joined Widnes from St. Helens in 1962 and was appointed club captain. In his first season, Widnes finished third in the Championship, which equalled the club's best league placing. In 1962, the league was split into East and West of the Pennines; Widnes and Workington Town
met at Central Park, Wigan
, in the first final of the Western Division
Championship on Saturday 10 November 1962. With two minutes remaining, Lowdon dropped a goal to earn Workington a 9–9 draw. Later in the month Workington won the replay 10–0.
The following season, saw him lead his team to Wembley, where Widnes were Rugby League Challenge Cup
winners after they defeated Hull Kingston Rovers
13–5. No team had ever played more games in reaching Wembley than Widnes in 1964. In the first round, two replays were necessary before beating Leigh
. Liverpool City
were beaten in the second round, then Widnes played Swinton
in front of 19,000 at Naughton Park. A 5–5 draw meant another replay, which was a scoreless draw at Station Road. A second replay at Wigan was watched by 21,369 with Widnes winning 15–3. The semi-final against Castleford
was drawn 7–7. A crowd of 28,732 spectators watched the replay, which Widnes won. A Wembley crowd of 84,488 saw Widnes win the Challenge Cup for the third time with a 13–5 victory over Hull KR
. This was the Chemics first trophy success in eighteen years.
. The following two seasons, Widnes reached the finals of the BBC2 Floodlit Trophy
. The first success came in the 1975 Lancashire Cup which Widnes won by beating Salford
that season. They also won the 1975 Challenge Cup final 14–7 versus Warrington at Wembley. This was the first time in their history that Widnes had won two trophies in the same season.
Widnes visited Wembley in the following two seasons, losing to St. Helens and then Leeds
. However, this was made up for by victories in the Lancashire Cup
and John Player Trophy
. The season after this (1977–78) saw their first league championship. The team went through the season unbeaten at home in the league. There were also trips to the John Player and Premiership finals.
Keith Elwell began his run of 242 consecutive appearances at Wembley in the 1977 RL Challenge Cup Final
, including two as a substitute. He finished his run at Hull on 26 September 1982. This record for consecutive appearances for one club stands to this day.
Doug Laughton
took over the job of team coach when Frank Myler
retired from the position in 1978. The 1978–79 season saw no less than four cups come to Widnes—the BBC2 floodlit trophy, Lancashire Cup, Premiership and a win at Wembley over Wakefield Trinity
in front of a crowd of 93,218. Widnes beat the Australian tourists in 1978.
The 1979–80 season saw Widnes beat Bradford Northern
in the Premiership final, but come second to them in the league and John Player Trophy. The Lancashire Cup was won for the fifth time in the 1970s.
The 1980s
started with a Wembley win over Hull Kingston Rovers
in 1980–81. The season after this, Widnes again returned to Wembley, to face Hull. Widnes led 14–6 with less than 20 minutes to go, but the game finished 14–14 and Hull won the replay 18–9 at Elland Road
, Leeds. Widnes kept their record of winning a cup every season by defeating Hull 23–8 in the Premiership final. The next season saw Hull again beaten by Widnes in the Premiership final.
Vince Karalius
returned to the club for a short spell in 1983–84 leading a strong Widnes side to the finals of the Lancashire Cup and John Player Trophy and another Wembley victory appearance 19–6 against Wigan
.
Doug Laughton
returned to the club in January 1986 and began a series of signings of players from other league clubs and from rugby union. One such player was Martin Offiah
, who in 1987–88 scored a club record 42 tries. The team went on to win the championship that season, clinching it with a 50 point win away over Hunslet
. Widnes then beat St. Helens in the Premiership Final at Old Trafford
, Manchester
a game in which Alan Tait
made his début.
The 1988–89 season saw the club sign rugby union star Jonathan Davies from Llanelli
for £225,000. Wigan were beaten in the Charity Shield but had their revenge in the Regal Trophy Final. The Championship came down to the last game of the season, a capacity crowd at Naughton Park saw Widnes beat Wigan 32–18 to win the title for the second year running. The Premiership was won again, with over 40,000 at Old Trafford to see Widnes beat Hull 18–10.
The 1989–90 season saw Widnes play at Anfield
, Liverpool beating Wigan 27–22. A trip to France to play Le Pontet saw Widnes chosen as the Northern Hemisphere
representatives to meet Australia's Grand Final winners. Canberra
took a 12–0 lead but were then swept aside as Widnes stormed home 30–18 to become the first official World Club Champions
.
However, financial problems riddled the club in the early 1990s. To balance the books, over 25 first team players were sold to other teams. This resulted in the club sinking to 12th in the division one table, avoiding relegation.
season and changed from a winter to a summer season. When the RFL announced that a new 12-team Super League was to be formed a chaotic period ensued in which the club was out, then in, then out, then in merged with local rivals Warrington and then finally out again as they finished below the cut-off point of 10th in the existing top flight. The club adopted the name Widnes Vikings in 1996. Further player and coaching departures ensued and the club struggled in the new first division, the club's first ever finish in the relegation zone followed. They spent the next 5 years in the Northern Ford Premiership.
Graeme West
took over as coach after Doug Laughton
's third stint, his reign lasted from May 1997 until August 1998.
During this time, the playing arena was rebuilt and the old stands, terraces and facilities were demolished to be replaced with a state-of-the-art all-seater stadium. This was also renamed from Naughton Park to the Halton Community Stadium (it also went on to be called The AutoQuest Stadium, the Halton Stadium and the Stobart Stadium, Halton).
In 1999 Widnes narrowly missed out on a place in the grand final. The 2000 season was one of transition with head coach Colin Whitfield
being sacked and replaced by David Hulme
being appointed as his successor. The record attendance for the newly rebuilt stadium was set at 6,644 for a Northern Ford Premiership game against Leigh
on Boxing Day
2000. Widnes finished off a poor season in 8th place in the NFP.
They were finally promoted to Super League under coach Neil Kelly in 2001 beating Oldham
24–12 in the NFP Grand Final. Their début season in Super League
was in 2002, Superleague VII, and the Vikings surprised everyone by narrowly missing out on a playoff place, and finishing 7th.
The following season saw them consolidate with a 9th place finish, and in 2004 they avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth, with Castleford's
defeat to Wakefield Trinity
on the final day of the season saving Widnes' fate. Frank Endacott
arrived at Widnes as coach in 2005, but could not improve on the previous season's, and with 2 teams being relegated in 2005 due to the inclusion of Catalans Dragons
to Superleague from 2006, Widnes were eventually relegated back down to the second tier of the English game (LHF National League 1).
Following relegation, Widnes parted company with coach Frank Endacott
and the majority of their under-achieving Super League squad. New coach Steve McCormack
, who led Whitehaven
to two consecutive NL1 Grand Finals, rebuilt the squad which notably included Australian full back David Peachey
, who kept his word to join the club, despite its relegation.
However, Peachey was sacked just a few months into the season by new chairman Stephen Vaughan in order to create funds and to make room under the salary cap for players such as Dennis Moran. On the field Widnes had made the LHF National League Grand Final, but were beaten by Hull KR
at Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium
.
Stephen Vaughan eventually quit as chairman of Widnes and stepped down from the club's board of directors on the eve of their opening league game of the 2007 Co-operative National League season, which was broadcast live on Sky Sports. and placed the club into the media spotlight for sometime. Despite this, the club then went on to win the 2007 Northern Rail Cup with a 54–6 victory over Whitehaven
in the final in Blackpool's Bloomfield Road stadium
on 15 July 2007 in front of a crowd of 8,326. Widnes improved further and reached the National League Grand Final, as they had done the year before. However, due to financial implications not known to the public at the time, they were beaten in the final by Castleford
at Headingley
. In the days that followed, Widnes had no option but to place themselves into voluntary administration.
Off the field, Widnes had the opportunity to apply for a Super League 2009 License, along with 18 other clubs. Following an application process in March 2008, on the 22 July 2008 at 10 am, the RFL announced the 14 successful teams who were to play in Superleague from 2009. Widnes were not granted a licence by the RFL on the basis that they had been into administration, or liquidation as Richard Lewis chief executive of the RFL stated. Following the announcement, the RFLS credentials as a governing body were severely questioned and criticised, with many fans arguing that the RFL's plan to expand would cost a number of heartland clubs, such as Widnes, their future.
Despite the setback, the club continued to rebuild, led by the chairman Steve O'Connor
. To prove his dedication to the club's future, he made an inspirational speech at the following game with the local MP, when Widnes were host to Dewsbury
. On the field, Widnes reached the 2008 National League Playoffs by finishing in 6th place. A 32-16 defeat to third-placed Halifax
, which was broadcast live on Skysports, however brought the nostalgic 2008 campaign to an end.
Preparations for the 2009 season began early with Head Coach Steve McCormack
securing one of the league's biggest signings in James Webster from Hull. However, by February 2009 Widnes declared that they had parted company with Steve McCormack
, through 'mutual consent'. The news came three days after Widnes were controversially beaten 22–20 at home to Co-Operative Championship 1 side Oldham in the Northern Rail Cup Group Stage. McCormack's assistant John Stankevitch took over on a caretaker basis after his departure, leading the side through the remaining group stage games and into the final 16. On 9 March 2009 former Warrington, Whitehaven and England Coach Paul Cullen
was unveiled as McCormack's successor, having been selected from 17 strong candidates and a shortlist of three that were interviewed by the Chairman. Speaking from the heart Cullen said on his appointment "I'm really excited to be joining Widnes. The plan is simple, we need to get Widnes into Super League where we belong".
Cullen first aided Stankevitch in his final game as caretaker coach, beating French
side Toulouse
70–0 in the first game of the Co-operative Championship season broadcast live on Sky Sports. The under-performing team was re-organised by Cullen, with a number of players being released and replaced by the loan signings of Kevin Penny
and Steve Pickersgill
from local rivals Warrington, and Craig Hall from Hull. Also, assistant coach John Stankevitch
was replaced by Widnes and Wigan player Mick Cassidy
. Following a semi-final victory against in-form Halifax, which included the infamous 'Ben Black Knock on' to win the game, Widnes lifted the Northern Rail Cup for a second time with a 34–18 win against Barrow
. Victory over Barrow in front of a crowd of 8,720 crowd at Blackpool's Bloomfield Road
meant that Widnes were now eligible to submit an application for a three-year Super League licence in 2011.
Paul Cullen
utilised the new 'dual registration' option to bring both Liam Farrell
and Shaun Ainscough
from Wigan
to the club for the 2010 season. Widnes initially suffered a minor injury crisis at the start of the season, which at one stage saw a large proportion of the first team sidelined. Even Widnes' star scrum half James Webster
appeared to jump ship when offered a coaching job at Hull. As the season progressed, Widnes were able to recover and reached the Northern Rail Cup Final for the third time in four years. A last-minute try though prevented Widnes from retaining the trophy, as they were beaten 25-24 by the Batley Bulldogs
. Despite this, Widnes again reached the 2010 Co-opertive Championship playoffs but were humiliated in a first-round 38-0 defeat to Barrow
at Craven Park.
, on March 31, 2011 Widnes were granted a licence for entry into Super League (Seasons 2012–14). The decision was broadcast live on skysports news at 11am, with the stadium sports bar and function rooms packed full with Widnes fans celebrating until the early hours.
By July 2011 the preparations for Superleague were well underway with the re-appointment of Denis Betts
as coach and the new signings of Ben Cross
, Hep Cahill
and Shaun Briscoe
to name but a few. Off the field the pioneering 'Viking Stronghold' initiative moved from strength to strength, as fans were urged to pay a monthly subscription to watch Widnes, ensuring the club received funds all year round, whilst offering exclusive discounts, electronic team news and lineups, and even an exclusive rugby shirt and match ball to its members. By August, the club announced its intention to install a third generation artificial pitch (or intelligent pitch) during the off season, to improve overall match performance and maximise the use of the clubs facilities.
Naughton Park became one of the best known Rugby League grounds
in the country due to the success of the 'Chemics'.
It was agreed that Halton Council in partnership with the Widnes would build a new stadium on the existing site. This stadium would provide a multi-purpose complex including a social club, conference facilities, recreational facilities and catering/function facilities and would be the new home venue for Widnes RLFC. The stadium was officially opened on 2 November 1997 following the completion of phase 1 of a multi-million pound redevelopment of the old Naughton Park site.
On 29 January 1999 Halton Borough Council took over responsibility for the entire stadium, both financially and managerially. This was necessary as the joint venture companies arrangements were not performing as expected.
The stadium reached completion with the opening of the East Stand in September 2005. The Stobart Stadium is an all-seater stadium which has a capacity of 13,500. It has also had the honour to have staged national finals and international fixtures.
This additional stand not only increased the capacity of the stadium, it also provided a table tennis centre of excellence to regional standard, a health and fitness facility, a créche and a state-of-the-art injury clinic.
The Halton Stadium was renamed to the 'Stobart Stadium Halton' at the Fans Forum on 6 December 2007. In February 2008 it was given a 'facelift' by Chairman Steve O'Connor during the season, in preparation for the Superleague Licenses. The North Stand seats were changed to spell out "VIKINGS", West Stand seats are sponsored by STOBART and East Stand seats are sponsored by Halton Borough Council as part of the stadium sponsorship deal. The South Stand seats were left out until a sponsorship arrangement could be arranged.
Released
Retained
Competition points: For win = 3; For draw = 2; For loss by 12 points or fewer = 1.
Note: Leigh deducted 3 points for salary cap breach (June 2011)
Note: Barrow deducted 6 points for salary cap breach (July 2011)
Note: Toulouse withdraw from the Championship from 2012 onwards, and are exempt from relegation (August 2011)
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
professional rugby league
Rugby league
Rugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...
club based in Widnes
Widnes
Widnes is an industrial town within the borough of Halton, in Cheshire, England, with an urban area population of 57,663 in 2004. It is located on the northern bank of the River Mersey where the estuary narrows to form the Runcorn Gap. Directly to the south across the Mersey is the town of Runcorn...
, Cheshire
Cheshire
Cheshire is a ceremonial county in North West England. Cheshire's county town is the city of Chester, although its largest town is Warrington. Other major towns include Widnes, Congleton, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Runcorn, Macclesfield, Winsford, Northwich, and Wilmslow...
. They currently play in the Engage Super League, the top tier of European rugby league, after being awarded a license to compete in the top-flight Super League
Super League
Super League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
from 2012 onward. They play their home games at Stobart Stadium Halton.
Widnes was one of the original twenty-two rugby clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union
Rugby Football League
The Rugby Football League is the governing body for professional rugby league football in England. Based at Red Hall in Leeds, it administers the England national rugby league team, the Challenge Cup, Super League and the Rugby League Championships...
in 1895, making them one of the world's first rugby league teams. Their traditional nickname is "The Chemics" after the main industry in Widnes
Widnes
Widnes is an industrial town within the borough of Halton, in Cheshire, England, with an urban area population of 57,663 in 2004. It is located on the northern bank of the River Mersey where the estuary narrows to form the Runcorn Gap. Directly to the south across the Mersey is the town of Runcorn...
, but the club also use their more modern nickname in "The Vikings". They have a strong local rivalry with Warrington Wolves
Warrington Wolves
Warrington Wolves are a professional rugby league football club based in Warrington, England that competes in Super League. They play at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, having moved there from Wilderspool in 2003....
and resisted the idea of merger with their rivals at the beginning of Super League in 1995. Before Super League they were one of the strongest teams in British rugby league
Rugby league
Rugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...
and they were dubbed "Cup Kings" after going to Wembley nearly every year in the late 1970s and early 1980s. By 1989 Widnes became the first official World Club Champions, by beating the Australian champions Canberra Raiders.
Following a brief spell in Super League (2002–05), Widnes entered into Administration following the 2007 season. This had been the result of a club which had been poorly run for several years. By November 2007 the club had been purchased by Steve O'Connor, a local businessman, who had just sold his business to the Stobart Group
Stobart Group
Stobart Group Ltd is a large British multimodal logistics company, with interests in Transport and Distribution, Estates, Infrastructure and Civils, Air and Biomass, through operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Belgium...
. He invested a substantial amount of money into his home town club, with the dream of returning Widnes RLFC back to the glory days. By 2011, the club had successfully achieved Super League status bringing this dream one step closer to reality.
Early years
The Farnworth & Appleton Cricket Club was formed in 1871 and four years later the members decided to embrace the burgeoning football code. At their fourth annual evening party in the Drill Hall, Widnes, in November 1875, club Chairman Henry Lea "gave a short account of the club since it commenced about four years ago, and indicated that they had now started a football club in connexion (sic) with it, and hoped all would join". The first known game for the new Farnworth and Appleton FC was in Widnes in January 1876 played under rugby rules against Northwich Victoria. A few weeks later a return match was played at Drill Field, Northwich under soccer rules. Vics won both games. These are the only two known fixtures in that truncated first season.By May 1876 the club had changed its name to Widnes FC and the cricket side of the organsiation had disbanded, presumably to concentrate on football activities. By the late 1870s the club was being referred to as "The Chemicals"—subsequently shortened to 'The Chemics'.
The first ground was on Albert Road behind what is now the Premier Wetherspoon's pub and a short spell followed in the Simms Cross area. From around 1878–84 the club were based at the junction of Millfield/Peelhouse Lane, apart from season 1880–81 when they played on the Widnes Cricket Club ground at Lowerhouse Lane. From 1884–95 they rented a field at Lowerhouse Lane before moving to their third separate site on that road in October 1895. The first ever game at what later became Naughton Park
Halton Stadium
The Stobart Stadium Halton is a rugby league stadium in Widnes, England. The Widnes Vikings play their home games there as do Everton Reserves...
was against Liversedge on Saturday 12 October 1895.
In 1895, Widnes were founder members of the Northern Union
Rugby Football League
The Rugby Football League is the governing body for professional rugby league football in England. Based at Red Hall in Leeds, it administers the England national rugby league team, the Challenge Cup, Super League and the Rugby League Championships...
which broke away from the Rugby Football Union
Rugby Football Union
The Rugby Football Union was founded in 1871 as the governing body for the sport of rugby union, and performed as the international governing body prior to the formation of the International Rugby Board in 1886...
. Their first game was an away fixture against Runcorn which they lost 15–4.
During the early years, the club often had to sell players to balance the books. The strength of junior rugby league in the area meant the club had a steady stream of new players to offset any losses.
In 1902, the Lancashire and Yorkshire leagues were combined to form a second division, Widnes was added to the first division.
In 1914, Arthur 'Chick' Johnson was capped for the Lions (captained by Harold Wagstaff) in the famous Rorke's Drift test, a match in which they overcame all the odds, and injuries to beat Australia with a depleted side of 10 against 13. He scored an extraordinary try to win the game, dribbling the ball from inside his own half.
The club's first ever success came when they won the Lancashire League trophy in the 1919–20 season. However, the 1920s saw the club almost go to the wall. Local rivals Warrington donated their share of the traditional Easter
Easter
Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year. According to the Canonical gospels, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. His resurrection is celebrated on Easter Day or Easter Sunday...
and Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
derby matches to keep Widnes afloat in 1927–28.
In 1930, Widnes with 12 local-born players defied the odds to beat St Helens 10–3 to bring home the Challenge Cup
Challenge Cup
The Challenge Cup is a knockout cup competition for rugby league clubs organised by the Rugby Football League. Originally it was contested only by British teams but in recent years has been expanded to allow teams from France and Russia to take part....
.
The Kingsway housing scheme threatened the loss of Widnes' ground. After several years of fundraising during the Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
of the 1930s, £3,250 was raised to save the ground. This came with a stipulation that the ground could be sold only to the local council at the original price. The newly named Naughton Park
Halton Stadium
The Stobart Stadium Halton is a rugby league stadium in Widnes, England. The Widnes Vikings play their home games there as do Everton Reserves...
was opened in 1932.
A major boost for the club was Widnes' first ever trip to the Challenge Cup final, staged at Wembley. Their opponents were St. Helens, Saints scored after 6 minutes to take a 3–0 lead, but Widnes hit back with a penalty try, a further try and a penalty to take a 10–3 half-time lead. A scoreless second half meant Widnes had won the cup.
Widnes became the first club to make two trips to Wembley, with a loss to Hunslet
Hunslet Hawks
Hunslet Hawks is a professional rugby league club based in Hunslet, West Yorkshire, England. The club, sometimes known as 'the Parksiders' after their former stadium, are currently champions of Championship One.-History:-Early years:...
in the 1934 cup final.
In 1935–36, the team came close to being rugby league champions. Having finished third in the table, Widnes beat Liverpool 10–9 but lost to Hull, in the championship final. A third trip to Wembley came in 1937, with an 18–5 win over Keighley
Keighley Cougars
Keighley Cougars are a professional rugby league club from Keighley in West Yorkshire, England. As of 2012 they will play in Co-operative Championship having won the Co-operative Championship 1 play off final 32-12 against Workington...
. The final was dubbed "McCue's Match" as the halfback played an important part in the win.
Widnes dropped out of the wartime Lancashire league in 1940–41 and did not return to league competition until 1945–46.
Post war
Tommy McCue led the club to its first ever Lancashire CupRugby league county cups
Historically, British rugby league clubs competed for the Lancashire Cup and the Yorkshire Cup, known collectively as the county cups. The leading rugby clubs in Yorkshire had played in a cup competition for several years prior to the schism of 1895...
win, with a 7–3 victory against Wigan
Wigan Warriors
Wigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011....
in 1945.
Back at Wembley in 1950, the team was beaten 19–0 by Warrington
Warrington Wolves
Warrington Wolves are a professional rugby league football club based in Warrington, England that competes in Super League. They play at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, having moved there from Wilderspool in 2003....
. During this period, the club reverted to selling its players to richer teams.
Local man Vince Karalius
Vince Karalius
Vincent Peter Patrick Karalius was an English professional Rugby League World Cup winning and coach who forged a fearsome reputation both as a strong runner of the ball, and as a devastating tackler.-Club career:...
joined Widnes from St. Helens in 1962 and was appointed club captain. In his first season, Widnes finished third in the Championship, which equalled the club's best league placing. In 1962, the league was split into East and West of the Pennines; Widnes and Workington Town
Workington Town
Workington Town is a professional rugby league club playing in Workington in West Cumbria. They play in the Championship 1. Their stadium is called Derwent Park, which they share with Workington Comets, a speedway team....
met at Central Park, Wigan
Central Park (Wigan)
Central Park was a rugby league stadium in Wigan, England. It was the home of Wigan RLFC before the club moved to the JJB Stadium in 1999. Its final capacity was 18,000.-History:...
, in the first final of the Western Division
Rugby league county leagues
The Yorkshire League and the Lancashire League formed two sections of the Rugby Football League Championship for much of its history. Initially, the 22 clubs that broke away in 1895 played in one combined league, however the following season saw the addition of many clubs, and the League was split...
Championship on Saturday 10 November 1962. With two minutes remaining, Lowdon dropped a goal to earn Workington a 9–9 draw. Later in the month Workington won the replay 10–0.
The following season, saw him lead his team to Wembley, where Widnes were Rugby League Challenge Cup
Challenge Cup
The Challenge Cup is a knockout cup competition for rugby league clubs organised by the Rugby Football League. Originally it was contested only by British teams but in recent years has been expanded to allow teams from France and Russia to take part....
winners after they defeated Hull Kingston Rovers
Hull Kingston Rovers
Hull Kingston Rovers or Hull KR is an English professional rugby league football club based in Hull, England. The club formed in 1882 and currently competes in Super League, having won promotion from National League One in 2006...
13–5. No team had ever played more games in reaching Wembley than Widnes in 1964. In the first round, two replays were necessary before beating Leigh
Leigh Centurions
Leigh Centurions is an English professional rugby league club based in Leigh, Greater Manchester who play in the Co-operative Championship.The club was founded in 1878 as Leigh Rugby Football Club and is one of the original twenty-two clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in...
. Liverpool City
Liverpool City (rugby league)
Liverpool City was a semi-professional rugby league club from the city of Liverpool in England.-The first Liverpool City - 1906-1907:A professional club first emerged in Liverpool, called Liverpool City in 1906, playing at the Stanley Athletics Ground. They hold an unwanted record in the...
were beaten in the second round, then Widnes played Swinton
Swinton Lions
Swinton Lions is an English professional rugby league club from Swinton, Greater Manchester. The club has won the Championship six times and three Challenge Cups. They currently play in the Championship.-Early years:...
in front of 19,000 at Naughton Park. A 5–5 draw meant another replay, which was a scoreless draw at Station Road. A second replay at Wigan was watched by 21,369 with Widnes winning 15–3. The semi-final against Castleford
Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers are a professional rugby league club based in Castleford in West Yorkshire, England. They participate in the professional European competition Super League. They are sometimes known as 'Cas', 'Cas Tigers', 'Classy Cas' or the 'Black & Amber'...
was drawn 7–7. A crowd of 28,732 spectators watched the replay, which Widnes won. A Wembley crowd of 84,488 saw Widnes win the Challenge Cup for the third time with a 13–5 victory over Hull KR
Hull Kingston Rovers
Hull Kingston Rovers or Hull KR is an English professional rugby league football club based in Hull, England. The club formed in 1882 and currently competes in Super League, having won promotion from National League One in 2006...
. This was the Chemics first trophy success in eighteen years.
The "Cup Kings"
The 1970s saw the first really outstanding Widnes team. A host of young local players developed into the "Cup Kings", a golden age for the club. The first cup-final was a loss in the 1971–72 Lancashire CupRugby league county cups
Historically, British rugby league clubs competed for the Lancashire Cup and the Yorkshire Cup, known collectively as the county cups. The leading rugby clubs in Yorkshire had played in a cup competition for several years prior to the schism of 1895...
. The following two seasons, Widnes reached the finals of the BBC2 Floodlit Trophy
BBC2 Floodlit Trophy
The BBC2 Floodlit Trophy was a competition for British rugby league clubs held between 1965 and 1980. It was designed specifically for television, and the then director of BBC2, broadcaster David Attenborough, was instrumental in its creation...
. The first success came in the 1975 Lancashire Cup which Widnes won by beating Salford
Salford City Reds
Salford City Reds are an English rugby league club based in Salford, Greater Manchester. Formed in 1873, they currently play in the Super League. They have won six Rugby Football League Championships and one Challenge Cup...
that season. They also won the 1975 Challenge Cup final 14–7 versus Warrington at Wembley. This was the first time in their history that Widnes had won two trophies in the same season.
Widnes visited Wembley in the following two seasons, losing to St. Helens and then Leeds
Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League...
. However, this was made up for by victories in the Lancashire Cup
Rugby league county cups
Historically, British rugby league clubs competed for the Lancashire Cup and the Yorkshire Cup, known collectively as the county cups. The leading rugby clubs in Yorkshire had played in a cup competition for several years prior to the schism of 1895...
and John Player Trophy
John Player Trophy
The John Player Trophy was a golf tournament on the European Tour that was played in England. It was only played twice, the first in 1970 at Notts Golf Club in Nottinghamshire, and again in 1972 at Bognor Regis Golf Club in West Sussex.-Winners:...
. The season after this (1977–78) saw their first league championship. The team went through the season unbeaten at home in the league. There were also trips to the John Player and Premiership finals.
Keith Elwell began his run of 242 consecutive appearances at Wembley in the 1977 RL Challenge Cup Final
Challenge Cup
The Challenge Cup is a knockout cup competition for rugby league clubs organised by the Rugby Football League. Originally it was contested only by British teams but in recent years has been expanded to allow teams from France and Russia to take part....
, including two as a substitute. He finished his run at Hull on 26 September 1982. This record for consecutive appearances for one club stands to this day.
Doug Laughton
Doug Laughton
C. Doug Laughton is an English former rugby league footballer and coach. He played club football as a , or / for St. Helens, Wigan, Widnes and Canterbury Bulldogs...
took over the job of team coach when Frank Myler
Frank Myler
Frank Myler was an English professional Rugby League World Cup winning footballer. He played , or / for Widnes and St. Helens, and also captained the Great Britain national team.Myler also coached Rochdale from May, 1971 to October 1974....
retired from the position in 1978. The 1978–79 season saw no less than four cups come to Widnes—the BBC2 floodlit trophy, Lancashire Cup, Premiership and a win at Wembley over Wakefield Trinity
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts...
in front of a crowd of 93,218. Widnes beat the Australian tourists in 1978.
The 1979–80 season saw Widnes beat Bradford Northern
Bradford Bulls
Bradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league....
in the Premiership final, but come second to them in the league and John Player Trophy. The Lancashire Cup was won for the fifth time in the 1970s.
The 1980s
1980s
File:1980s decade montage.png|thumb|400px|From left, clockwise: The first Space Shuttle, Columbia, lifted off in 1981; American President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev eased tensions between the two superpowers, leading to the end of the Cold War; The Fall of the Berlin Wall in...
started with a Wembley win over Hull Kingston Rovers
Hull Kingston Rovers
Hull Kingston Rovers or Hull KR is an English professional rugby league football club based in Hull, England. The club formed in 1882 and currently competes in Super League, having won promotion from National League One in 2006...
in 1980–81. The season after this, Widnes again returned to Wembley, to face Hull. Widnes led 14–6 with less than 20 minutes to go, but the game finished 14–14 and Hull won the replay 18–9 at Elland Road
Elland Road
Elland Road is an all-seater football stadium in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It has been the permanent residence of Leeds United A.F.C...
, Leeds. Widnes kept their record of winning a cup every season by defeating Hull 23–8 in the Premiership final. The next season saw Hull again beaten by Widnes in the Premiership final.
Vince Karalius
Vince Karalius
Vincent Peter Patrick Karalius was an English professional Rugby League World Cup winning and coach who forged a fearsome reputation both as a strong runner of the ball, and as a devastating tackler.-Club career:...
returned to the club for a short spell in 1983–84 leading a strong Widnes side to the finals of the Lancashire Cup and John Player Trophy and another Wembley victory appearance 19–6 against Wigan
Wigan Warriors
Wigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011....
.
Doug Laughton
Doug Laughton
C. Doug Laughton is an English former rugby league footballer and coach. He played club football as a , or / for St. Helens, Wigan, Widnes and Canterbury Bulldogs...
returned to the club in January 1986 and began a series of signings of players from other league clubs and from rugby union. One such player was Martin Offiah
Martin Offiah
Martin Offiah MBE is an English former rugby league and rugby union footballer.He is known as "Chariots" Offiah after the film Chariots of Fire...
, who in 1987–88 scored a club record 42 tries. The team went on to win the championship that season, clinching it with a 50 point win away over Hunslet
Hunslet Hawks
Hunslet Hawks is a professional rugby league club based in Hunslet, West Yorkshire, England. The club, sometimes known as 'the Parksiders' after their former stadium, are currently champions of Championship One.-History:-Early years:...
. Widnes then beat St. Helens in the Premiership Final at Old Trafford
Old Trafford
Old Trafford commonly refers to two sporting arenas:* Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C.* Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket ClubOld Trafford can also refer to:...
, Manchester
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
a game in which Alan Tait
Alan Tait
Alan V. Tait is a Scottish rugby footballer and coach. He is currently head coach at Newcastle Falcons and a former rugby league and rugby union footballer who played outside centre for Scotland and the British and Irish Lions...
made his début.
The 1988–89 season saw the club sign rugby union star Jonathan Davies from Llanelli
Llanelli RFC
Llanelli Rugby Football Club is a Welsh rugby union club founded in 1875 and its senior team is one of the leading club sides in Wales. The club began the 2008-09 season at their historic home ground of Stradey Park in Llanelli, but moved in November 2008 to the new Parc y Scarlets in adjacent...
for £225,000. Wigan were beaten in the Charity Shield but had their revenge in the Regal Trophy Final. The Championship came down to the last game of the season, a capacity crowd at Naughton Park saw Widnes beat Wigan 32–18 to win the title for the second year running. The Premiership was won again, with over 40,000 at Old Trafford to see Widnes beat Hull 18–10.
The 1989–90 season saw Widnes play at Anfield
Anfield
Anfield is an association football stadium in the district of Anfield, Liverpool, England, with a seating capacity of 45,522. It has been the home of Liverpool F.C. since their formation in 1892 and was originally the home of Everton F.C. from 1884 to 1892, before they moved to Goodison Park...
, Liverpool beating Wigan 27–22. A trip to France to play Le Pontet saw Widnes chosen as the Northern Hemisphere
Northern Hemisphere
The Northern Hemisphere is the half of a planet that is north of its equator—the word hemisphere literally means “half sphere”. It is also that half of the celestial sphere north of the celestial equator...
representatives to meet Australia's Grand Final winners. Canberra
Canberra Raiders
The Canberra Raiders are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the national capital city of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. They have competed in Australasia's elite rugby league competition, the National Rugby League premiership since 1982...
took a 12–0 lead but were then swept aside as Widnes stormed home 30–18 to become the first official World Club Champions
1989 World Club Challenge
The 1989 World Club Challenge was the third ever and first official World Club Challenge match. 1989's NSWRL season premiers, the Canberra Raiders traveled to England to play against 1988–89 RFL champions, Widnes.The match was played on Wednesday, 4 October at Old Trafford, Manchester...
.
However, financial problems riddled the club in the early 1990s. To balance the books, over 25 first team players were sold to other teams. This resulted in the club sinking to 12th in the division one table, avoiding relegation.
Summer era
In 1996, the first tier of British rugby league clubs played the inaugural Super LeagueSuper League
Super League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
season and changed from a winter to a summer season. When the RFL announced that a new 12-team Super League was to be formed a chaotic period ensued in which the club was out, then in, then out, then in merged with local rivals Warrington and then finally out again as they finished below the cut-off point of 10th in the existing top flight. The club adopted the name Widnes Vikings in 1996. Further player and coaching departures ensued and the club struggled in the new first division, the club's first ever finish in the relegation zone followed. They spent the next 5 years in the Northern Ford Premiership.
Graeme West
Graeme West
Graeme Leonard West is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer and coach. Standing at six-foot, five inches, he played in the forwards, captaining English club Wigan...
took over as coach after Doug Laughton
Doug Laughton
C. Doug Laughton is an English former rugby league footballer and coach. He played club football as a , or / for St. Helens, Wigan, Widnes and Canterbury Bulldogs...
's third stint, his reign lasted from May 1997 until August 1998.
During this time, the playing arena was rebuilt and the old stands, terraces and facilities were demolished to be replaced with a state-of-the-art all-seater stadium. This was also renamed from Naughton Park to the Halton Community Stadium (it also went on to be called The AutoQuest Stadium, the Halton Stadium and the Stobart Stadium, Halton).
In 1999 Widnes narrowly missed out on a place in the grand final. The 2000 season was one of transition with head coach Colin Whitfield
Colin Whitfield
Colin Whitfield is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s who at club level has played for Wigan, Halifax, and Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs playing at , or , i.e. number 1, 2 or 5, or, 3 or 4.-Challenge Cup final appearances:...
being sacked and replaced by David Hulme
David Hulme (rugby league)
David Hulme is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Widnes, Leeds Rhinos, and Salford City Reds, playing at /, or /, i.e. number 6, or 7...
being appointed as his successor. The record attendance for the newly rebuilt stadium was set at 6,644 for a Northern Ford Premiership game against Leigh
Leigh Centurions
Leigh Centurions is an English professional rugby league club based in Leigh, Greater Manchester who play in the Co-operative Championship.The club was founded in 1878 as Leigh Rugby Football Club and is one of the original twenty-two clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in...
on Boxing Day
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is a bank or public holiday that occurs on 26 December, or the first or second weekday after Christmas Day, depending on national or regional laws. It is observed in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and some other Commonwealth nations. In Ireland, it is recognized as...
2000. Widnes finished off a poor season in 8th place in the NFP.
They were finally promoted to Super League under coach Neil Kelly in 2001 beating Oldham
Oldham Roughyeds
Oldham Roughyeds is an English professional rugby league club based in Oldham, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the Championship One. Oldham is one of the original twenty-two rugby clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in 1895....
24–12 in the NFP Grand Final. Their début season in Super League
Super League
Super League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
was in 2002, Superleague VII, and the Vikings surprised everyone by narrowly missing out on a playoff place, and finishing 7th.
The following season saw them consolidate with a 9th place finish, and in 2004 they avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth, with Castleford's
Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers are a professional rugby league club based in Castleford in West Yorkshire, England. They participate in the professional European competition Super League. They are sometimes known as 'Cas', 'Cas Tigers', 'Classy Cas' or the 'Black & Amber'...
defeat to Wakefield Trinity
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts...
on the final day of the season saving Widnes' fate. Frank Endacott
Frank Endacott
Frank Morris Endacott, ONZM is a retired rugby league player and coach from New Zealand. His son, Shane, also played rugby league.-Playing career:Endacott played for Addington and Hornby in the Canterbury Rugby League competition...
arrived at Widnes as coach in 2005, but could not improve on the previous season's, and with 2 teams being relegated in 2005 due to the inclusion of Catalans Dragons
Catalans Dragons
The Catalans Dragons are a French professional rugby league club based in Perpignan, Pyrénées-Orientales. They currently play in the Super League, and are the only team in the competition from outside of the United Kingdom...
to Superleague from 2006, Widnes were eventually relegated back down to the second tier of the English game (LHF National League 1).
Following relegation, Widnes parted company with coach Frank Endacott
Frank Endacott
Frank Morris Endacott, ONZM is a retired rugby league player and coach from New Zealand. His son, Shane, also played rugby league.-Playing career:Endacott played for Addington and Hornby in the Canterbury Rugby League competition...
and the majority of their under-achieving Super League squad. New coach Steve McCormack
Steve McCormack
Steve McCormack is the former head coach of National League One club Widnes. He is currently head coach of Scotland RL and SwintonHis first coaching appointment had been at Salford, who made him the youngest coach in Super League at the age of just 28 in 2001 but was sacked just 10 months later.He...
, who led Whitehaven
Whitehaven RLFC
Whitehaven RLFC is a rugby league club playing in Whitehaven in West Cumbria. They play in Co-operative Championship. Their stadium is called the Recreation Ground...
to two consecutive NL1 Grand Finals, rebuilt the squad which notably included Australian full back David Peachey
David Peachey
David Peachey is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative fullback, he played the majority of his club football in the National Rugby League for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks...
, who kept his word to join the club, despite its relegation.
However, Peachey was sacked just a few months into the season by new chairman Stephen Vaughan in order to create funds and to make room under the salary cap for players such as Dennis Moran. On the field Widnes had made the LHF National League Grand Final, but were beaten by Hull KR
Hull Kingston Rovers
Hull Kingston Rovers or Hull KR is an English professional rugby league football club based in Hull, England. The club formed in 1882 and currently competes in Super League, having won promotion from National League One in 2006...
at Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Halliwell Jones Stadium is a rugby league stadium in Warrington, England that is the home ground of Warrington Wolves. It has also staged Challenge Cup semi-finals, the European Nations Final and the National League Grand Finals' Day....
.
Stephen Vaughan eventually quit as chairman of Widnes and stepped down from the club's board of directors on the eve of their opening league game of the 2007 Co-operative National League season, which was broadcast live on Sky Sports. and placed the club into the media spotlight for sometime. Despite this, the club then went on to win the 2007 Northern Rail Cup with a 54–6 victory over Whitehaven
Whitehaven RLFC
Whitehaven RLFC is a rugby league club playing in Whitehaven in West Cumbria. They play in Co-operative Championship. Their stadium is called the Recreation Ground...
in the final in Blackpool's Bloomfield Road stadium
Bloomfield Road
Bloomfield Road is an all-seater football stadium in the English town of Blackpool, Lancashire. It has been the permanent home of Blackpool F.C. since 1901 and is named after the road on which the stadium's main entrance used to stand. The stadium has been in a process of redevelopment since 2000...
on 15 July 2007 in front of a crowd of 8,326. Widnes improved further and reached the National League Grand Final, as they had done the year before. However, due to financial implications not known to the public at the time, they were beaten in the final by Castleford
Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers are a professional rugby league club based in Castleford in West Yorkshire, England. They participate in the professional European competition Super League. They are sometimes known as 'Cas', 'Cas Tigers', 'Classy Cas' or the 'Black & Amber'...
at Headingley
Headingley Stadium
Headingley Stadium is a sporting complex in the Leeds suburb of Headingley in West Yorkshire, England. It is the home of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, rugby league team Leeds Rhinos and rugby union team Leeds Carnegie ....
. In the days that followed, Widnes had no option but to place themselves into voluntary administration.
New beginning
It was announced on 2 November 2007 that Widnes RLFC would come out of administration under a new owner by the name of Stephen O'Connor. He was a local business man, well known in the town for his haulage firm 'The O'Connor Group', which had just been bought by the Stobart Group. With the re-appointment of Steve McCormack as Head Coach, Widnes were re-admitted into National League 1, and the club managed to scrape together a squad which mostly consisted of "Academy youngsters and Superleague cast offs". The RFL placed a nine-point deduction on the club for going into administration in the off season, but this was successfully neutralised through winning their first three games.Off the field, Widnes had the opportunity to apply for a Super League 2009 License, along with 18 other clubs. Following an application process in March 2008, on the 22 July 2008 at 10 am, the RFL announced the 14 successful teams who were to play in Superleague from 2009. Widnes were not granted a licence by the RFL on the basis that they had been into administration, or liquidation as Richard Lewis chief executive of the RFL stated. Following the announcement, the RFLS credentials as a governing body were severely questioned and criticised, with many fans arguing that the RFL's plan to expand would cost a number of heartland clubs, such as Widnes, their future.
Despite the setback, the club continued to rebuild, led by the chairman Steve O'Connor
Steve O'Connor
Steve O'Connor played 290 games in the Australian National Soccer League and represented Australia in the national team with 44 Socceroo appearances.-Background:...
. To prove his dedication to the club's future, he made an inspirational speech at the following game with the local MP, when Widnes were host to Dewsbury
Dewsbury Rams
Dewsbury Rams RLFC is a professional rugby league club based in the West Yorkshire town of Dewsbury. They are arguably most famous for becoming Champions in 1972-73 after finishing the regular season in 8th place. In the playoffs they beat Featherstone away, Warrington away, and then Leeds in the...
. On the field, Widnes reached the 2008 National League Playoffs by finishing in 6th place. A 32-16 defeat to third-placed Halifax
Halifax RLFC
Halifax RLFC is one of the most historic rugby league clubs in the game, formed over a century ago, in 1873 in the Yorkshire town of Halifax. Known as 'Fax', the official club colours are blue and white hoops, blue shorts and blue socks . They share The Shay stadium with football club FC Halifax Town...
, which was broadcast live on Skysports, however brought the nostalgic 2008 campaign to an end.
Preparations for the 2009 season began early with Head Coach Steve McCormack
Steve McCormack
Steve McCormack is the former head coach of National League One club Widnes. He is currently head coach of Scotland RL and SwintonHis first coaching appointment had been at Salford, who made him the youngest coach in Super League at the age of just 28 in 2001 but was sacked just 10 months later.He...
securing one of the league's biggest signings in James Webster from Hull. However, by February 2009 Widnes declared that they had parted company with Steve McCormack
Steve McCormack
Steve McCormack is the former head coach of National League One club Widnes. He is currently head coach of Scotland RL and SwintonHis first coaching appointment had been at Salford, who made him the youngest coach in Super League at the age of just 28 in 2001 but was sacked just 10 months later.He...
, through 'mutual consent'. The news came three days after Widnes were controversially beaten 22–20 at home to Co-Operative Championship 1 side Oldham in the Northern Rail Cup Group Stage. McCormack's assistant John Stankevitch took over on a caretaker basis after his departure, leading the side through the remaining group stage games and into the final 16. On 9 March 2009 former Warrington, Whitehaven and England Coach Paul Cullen
Paul Cullen (rugby league)
Paul Cullen is an English professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is the head coach for the Widnes Vikings of the Co-operative Championship. Cullen previously coached the Warrington Wolves as well as the England national team...
was unveiled as McCormack's successor, having been selected from 17 strong candidates and a shortlist of three that were interviewed by the Chairman. Speaking from the heart Cullen said on his appointment "I'm really excited to be joining Widnes. The plan is simple, we need to get Widnes into Super League where we belong".
Cullen first aided Stankevitch in his final game as caretaker coach, beating French
Rugby league in France
Rugby league has been played in France since 1934. As with rugby union, the heartland of the game is the south of the country.During the Second World War, in association with the French rugby union, the sport was banned by the Vichy government, an act which the sport has struggled to recover from...
side Toulouse
Toulouse Olympique
Toulouse Olympique are a French professional rugby league team from Toulouse, in the southwest of France. They were founded on 22 October, in 1937 two years after the founding of the French Rugby League Federation. Between 1995 and 2002 the club were known as Spacers de Toulouse, due to links with...
70–0 in the first game of the Co-operative Championship season broadcast live on Sky Sports. The under-performing team was re-organised by Cullen, with a number of players being released and replaced by the loan signings of Kevin Penny
Kevin Penny
Kevin Penny is an English rugby league for Swinton in rugby league's Championship. He has previously played for Warrington, Wakefield Trinity and on loan for Harlequins RL and Widnes. Penny is also a youth level international for England....
and Steve Pickersgill
Steve Pickersgill
Steve Pickersgill born 28 November 1985 in Warrington, Cheshire, England is a rugby league player for Warrington Wolves in the European Super League.Steve Pickersgill's position of choice is as a prop and he can play in the second-row.-External links:*...
from local rivals Warrington, and Craig Hall from Hull. Also, assistant coach John Stankevitch
John Stankevitch
John Stankevitch is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 2000s. He played for St Helens and Widnes in the European Super League as a and as a . Since retiring through a serious shoulder and neck injury, he has had two stints at Widnes as assistant and a head coach role at Doncaster...
was replaced by Widnes and Wigan player Mick Cassidy
Mick Cassidy
Michael "Mick" D. Cassidy, is an English former rugby league player. Cassidy is currently the fitness coach for the Widnes Vikings after retring from the game in 2008. Cassidy had a wealth experience with the dominant Wigan side of the early to mid-90s. Cassidy is a Great Britain representative...
. Following a semi-final victory against in-form Halifax, which included the infamous 'Ben Black Knock on' to win the game, Widnes lifted the Northern Rail Cup for a second time with a 34–18 win against Barrow
Barrow Raiders
Barrow Raiders are an English professional rugby league team from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, who are coached by Dave Clark. Formed in 1875 as Barrow Football Club, the club is the oldest of the current professional sports teams in Cumbria....
. Victory over Barrow in front of a crowd of 8,720 crowd at Blackpool's Bloomfield Road
Bloomfield Road
Bloomfield Road is an all-seater football stadium in the English town of Blackpool, Lancashire. It has been the permanent home of Blackpool F.C. since 1901 and is named after the road on which the stadium's main entrance used to stand. The stadium has been in a process of redevelopment since 2000...
meant that Widnes were now eligible to submit an application for a three-year Super League licence in 2011.
Paul Cullen
Paul Cullen (rugby league)
Paul Cullen is an English professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is the head coach for the Widnes Vikings of the Co-operative Championship. Cullen previously coached the Warrington Wolves as well as the England national team...
utilised the new 'dual registration' option to bring both Liam Farrell
Liam Farrell
Liam Farrell is an English rugby league player for the Wigan Warriors in the European Super League. He plays in the second-row or at loose forward. He is the cousin of former Warriors player Andy Farrell.-2010 season:...
and Shaun Ainscough
Shaun Ainscough
Shaun Ainscough is an English professional rugby league footballer, currently playing for the Bradford Bulls of the Super League.His preferred position is on the wing...
from Wigan
Wigan Warriors
Wigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011....
to the club for the 2010 season. Widnes initially suffered a minor injury crisis at the start of the season, which at one stage saw a large proportion of the first team sidelined. Even Widnes' star scrum half James Webster
James Webster (rugby league)
James Webster is a rugby league player.Webster normally plays as a scrum half but is equally at home at hooker. where he played for Parramatta making over 40 NRL games in his time with the Eels....
appeared to jump ship when offered a coaching job at Hull. As the season progressed, Widnes were able to recover and reached the Northern Rail Cup Final for the third time in four years. A last-minute try though prevented Widnes from retaining the trophy, as they were beaten 25-24 by the Batley Bulldogs
Batley Bulldogs
Batley Bulldogs are an English professional rugby league club from Batley, West Yorkshire. They currently play in the Co-operative Championship. Batley is one of the original twenty-two rugby football clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in 1895...
. Despite this, Widnes again reached the 2010 Co-opertive Championship playoffs but were humiliated in a first-round 38-0 defeat to Barrow
Barrow Raiders
Barrow Raiders are an English professional rugby league team from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, who are coached by Dave Clark. Formed in 1875 as Barrow Football Club, the club is the oldest of the current professional sports teams in Cumbria....
at Craven Park.
The Return to Super League
Following 3 years of re-building and precise buisness acumen from Chairman Steve O'ConnorSteve O'Connor
Steve O'Connor played 290 games in the Australian National Soccer League and represented Australia in the national team with 44 Socceroo appearances.-Background:...
, on March 31, 2011 Widnes were granted a licence for entry into Super League (Seasons 2012–14). The decision was broadcast live on skysports news at 11am, with the stadium sports bar and function rooms packed full with Widnes fans celebrating until the early hours.
By July 2011 the preparations for Superleague were well underway with the re-appointment of Denis Betts
Denis Betts
Denis C. Betts is an English rugby league coach and former player. He is the current head coach of the Widnes Vikings in the Engage Super League. He played for Wigan in the Rugby League Premiership and the Australian NRL, for the Auckland Warriors, and also represented England at the 1995 Rugby...
as coach and the new signings of Ben Cross
Ben Cross
Ben Cross is a British actor of the stage and screen, best known for his portrayal of the British Olympic athlete Harold Abrahams in the 1981 movie Chariots of Fire.-Early life:...
, Hep Cahill
Hep Cahill
Hohepa Cahill is a New Zealand professional rugby league player currently playing for the Crusaders in Super League, but has signed a three year contract with Widnes Vikings for the 2012 season...
and Shaun Briscoe
Shaun Briscoe
Shaun Briscoe is an English professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Widnes Vikings of Super League. An England international representative outside back, he has played club football for Wigan, Hull, and Hull Kingston Rovers....
to name but a few. Off the field the pioneering 'Viking Stronghold' initiative moved from strength to strength, as fans were urged to pay a monthly subscription to watch Widnes, ensuring the club received funds all year round, whilst offering exclusive discounts, electronic team news and lineups, and even an exclusive rugby shirt and match ball to its members. By August, the club announced its intention to install a third generation artificial pitch (or intelligent pitch) during the off season, to improve overall match performance and maximise the use of the clubs facilities.
Stobart Stadium, Halton
Widnes Rugby League Football Club had a number of grounds before settling at Lowerhouse Lane in 1895. The death of the club's secretary, Tom Naughton in 1932, led to the ground being renamed Naughton Park as a gesture of the team's appreciation.Naughton Park became one of the best known Rugby League grounds
Rugby league playing field
The rugby league playing field, also referred to as a pitch or paddock, is the playing surface for the sport of rugby league football and is surfaced exclusively with grass....
in the country due to the success of the 'Chemics'.
It was agreed that Halton Council in partnership with the Widnes would build a new stadium on the existing site. This stadium would provide a multi-purpose complex including a social club, conference facilities, recreational facilities and catering/function facilities and would be the new home venue for Widnes RLFC. The stadium was officially opened on 2 November 1997 following the completion of phase 1 of a multi-million pound redevelopment of the old Naughton Park site.
On 29 January 1999 Halton Borough Council took over responsibility for the entire stadium, both financially and managerially. This was necessary as the joint venture companies arrangements were not performing as expected.
The stadium reached completion with the opening of the East Stand in September 2005. The Stobart Stadium is an all-seater stadium which has a capacity of 13,500. It has also had the honour to have staged national finals and international fixtures.
This additional stand not only increased the capacity of the stadium, it also provided a table tennis centre of excellence to regional standard, a health and fitness facility, a créche and a state-of-the-art injury clinic.
The Halton Stadium was renamed to the 'Stobart Stadium Halton' at the Fans Forum on 6 December 2007. In February 2008 it was given a 'facelift' by Chairman Steve O'Connor during the season, in preparation for the Superleague Licenses. The North Stand seats were changed to spell out "VIKINGS", West Stand seats are sponsored by STOBART and East Stand seats are sponsored by Halton Borough Council as part of the stadium sponsorship deal. The South Stand seats were left out until a sponsorship arrangement could be arranged.
Club setup
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Chief Patron | Rt. Hon. Lord Ashley of Stoke, CH |
| Chairman | Steve O'Connor |
| Directors | David Parr Peter Morris |
| Chief Executive | Julie Gaskell |
| Accounts Administrator | Alison Quinn |
| Sporting Director | Terry O'Connor |
| Director of Rugby | Paul Cullen Paul Cullen (rugby league) Paul Cullen is an English professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is the head coach for the Widnes Vikings of the Co-operative Championship. Cullen previously coached the Warrington Wolves as well as the England national team... |
| Head Coach | Denis Betts |
| Reserve Coach | Dave Banks |
| Strength & Conditioning | Mick Cassidy |
| Community Coach | John Foran |
| Head of Youth Performance | Phil Finney |
| Kit Manager | Paul Hansbury |
| Doctor | Dr John Morgan of Bucket and Sponge Medical Services |
| Physiotherapists | Andy McDonough Pete Talbot |
| Football Secretary | Janet Pheysey |
| Community Coach | Tim Holmes |
| Community Development Officer | Michele Carter |
| Community & Media Officer | Mark Naughton |
| Mascot | Kemik the Viking |
Current Squad
2012 Transfers
Signings| Player | Previous Club | Announced | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
 Ben CrossBen Cross Ben Cross is a British actor of the stage and screen, best known for his portrayal of the British Olympic athlete Harold Abrahams in the 1981 movie Chariots of Fire.-Early life:... |
Wigan Warriors Wigan Warriors Wigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011.... |
July 2011 | 1 Year |
 Hep CahillHep Cahill Hohepa Cahill is a New Zealand professional rugby league player currently playing for the Crusaders in Super League, but has signed a three year contract with Widnes Vikings for the 2012 season... |
Crusaders RL | July 2011 | 3 Years |
 Shaun BriscoeShaun Briscoe Shaun Briscoe is an English professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Widnes Vikings of Super League. An England international representative outside back, he has played club football for Wigan, Hull, and Hull Kingston Rovers.... |
Hull KR | July 2011 | 2 Years |
| Patrick Ah Van Patrick Ah Van Patrick Ah Van is a professional rugby league player who currently plays in the Super League for the Bradford Bulls... |
Bradford Bulls Bradford Bulls Bradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league.... |
August 2011 | 2 Years |
| Ben Davies Ben Davies (rugby league) Benjamin "Danger" Davies is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Wigan Warriors in the Super League. He is a prop by preference and signed for the club from local amateur team Leigh East... |
Wigan Warriors Wigan Warriors Wigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011.... |
August 2011 | 2 Years |
| Chris Dean Chris Dean Christopher David Dean born 17 January 1988 in Higher End, Wigan, Greater Manchester, is a rugby league player for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in the engage Super League. Dean's position of choice is as in the but he can also operate as a or on the . Chris signed for St. Helens aged 15 from the... |
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts... |
August 2011 | 2 Years |
 Lloyd WhiteLloyd White For the rugby league player see Lloyd White Lloyd White , full name George David Lloyd White, was a New Zealand diplomat and public servant who retired in 1978 as deputy head of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.He joined the department in 1945 with a MA degree, and went onto... |
Crusaders RL | August 2011 | 3 Years |
 Frank WintersteinFrank Winterstein Frank Winterstein is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Crusaders Rugby League in the European Super League competition... |
Crusaders RL | August 2011 | 2 Years |
| Willie Isa |
Castleford Tigers Castleford Tigers Castleford Tigers are a professional rugby league club based in Castleford in West Yorkshire, England. They participate in the professional European competition Super League. They are sometimes known as 'Cas', 'Cas Tigers', 'Classy Cas' or the 'Black & Amber'... |
September 2011 | 2 Years |
| Jon Clarke Jon Clarke Jon Clarke is a hooker for Super League rugby league club Widnes Vikings. He has previously played for Wigan Warriors, London Broncos & Warrington Wolves.... |
Warrington Wolves Warrington Wolves Warrington Wolves are a professional rugby league football club based in Warrington, England that competes in Super League. They play at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, having moved there from Wilderspool in 2003.... |
September 2011 | 2 Years |
| Rhys Hanbury Rhys Hanbury Rhys Hanbury is an Australian professional rugby league player for the Crusaders in the European Super League.He previously played for the Wests Tigers in the National Rugby League .... |
Crusaders RL | September 2011 | 2 Years |
| Anthony Watts Anthony Watts (rugby league) Anthony Watts born 12 September 1986 in the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia is a rugby league player for the Widnes Vikings in the Super League.Anthony Watts' position of choice is as a half-back and he can also play as a hooker... |
Sydney Roosters Sydney Roosters The Sydney Roosters are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. The club competes in the National Rugby League and is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Australian rugby league history, having won twelve New South Wales Rugby League... |
October 2011 | 1 Year |
| Scott Moore Scott Moore (rugby league) Scott Moore is a rugby league footballer who plays for Widnes Vikings in the European Super League.Scott Moore was the youngest ever Super League player when he made his debut at the JJB Stadium aged only 16.... |
St Helens | October 2011 | 3 Years |
Released
| Player | Signed for | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Anthony Thackeray Anthony Thackeray Anthony Thackeray born 19 February 1986 in Hull, Yorkshire, England is a rugby league player for the Widnes Vikings.Anthony Thackeray's position of choice is as a scrum-half or stand-off.-External links:*... |
Released (Following Season Loan at York City Knights York City Knights York City Knights Rugby League Club is a British professional rugby league club hailing from York. They play at the Huntington Stadium, situated to the north of York city centre... ) |
September 2011 |
| James Ford James Ford (rugby league) James Ford is a British professional rugby league footballer currently playing for Widnes Vikings in the Co-operative Championship. He previously played in the Super League for Castleford Tigers and is, by preference, a fullback but can also play at centre and on the wing... |
Season Loan at York City Knights York City Knights York City Knights Rugby League Club is a British professional rugby league club hailing from York. They play at the Huntington Stadium, situated to the north of York city centre... |
April 2011 |
| Kirk Netherton Kirk Netherton Kirk Netherton is an English rugby league player who currently plays for the Featherstone Rovers. His usual position is Hooker.Kirk formerly played for Hull KR, and made his Super League debut against Huddersfield Giants at the end of the 2007 season.... |
Season Loan at Featherstone Rovers Featherstone Rovers Featherstone Rovers are a semi-professional rugby league club, based in Featherstone, West Yorkshire, England. They currently play in the Championship. The Rovers are one of the last vestiges of "small town teams" that were once common in rugby league during the early twentieth century... |
April 2011 |
| Chris Gerrard |
Released | July 2011 |
| Dean Gaskell Dean Gaskell Dean Gaskell, born 12 April 1983 is an English rugby league player.Gaskell plays for the Widnes Vikings in National League One. He also plays for Ireland.Dean Gaskell's position of choice is on the wing, but he can also operate as a full-back.... |
Released | August 2011 |
| Richard Varkulis Richard Varkulis Richard Varkulis is a rugby league player currently contracted to Whitehaven RLFC.Richard signed for Championship One team Whitehaven RLFC for the 2012 season following three successful years at Widnes Vikings.... |
Released | August 2011 |
| Gareth Haggerty Gareth Haggerty Gareth Haggerty is an Irish international rugby league player. He plays for the Widnes Vikings in the Co-operative Championship. He previously played for Harlequins RL, St Helens, and Salford City Reds all of whom he play in the European Super League.Haggerty's usual position is prop-forward... |
Released | August 2011 |
| Danny Hulme |
Released | August 2011 |
| Shane Grady Shane Grady Shane Grady is an English rugby league player, who currently plays for the Widnes Vikings.Grady is a local Widnes lad, who came through the Vikings youth system and signed as a professional in 2008... |
Released | August 2011 |
| Chris Lunt |
Released | August 2011 |
| Chaz I'Anson Chaz I'Anson Chaz I'Anson is an English rugby league player from Hull playing at scrum half for Widnes Vikings but can also operate at stand off and loose forward.... |
Swinton Lions | September 2011 |
| Matt Gardener |
Released | August 2011 |
| Gregg Scott |
Released | August 2011 |
| Daniel Heckenberg Daniel Heckenberg Daniel Heckenberg is an Australian rugby league player. He currently plays as a for Harlequins Rugby League in the European Super League and is also a Scottish international.-Early career:... |
Released | August 2011 |
| Danny Sculthorpe Danny Sculthorpe Danny Sculthorpe is an English professional rugby league footballer. Born in Oldham, Greater Manchester, he currently plays as a prop for Widnes Vikings.... |
Released | August 2011 |
| Tangi Ropati Tangi Ropati Tangi Ropati is a Samoan rugby league player who currently plays for Widnes Vikings in England. He usually plays at Centre or Full Back.-Playing career:Ropati played for the Marist Richmond Brothers in the 2004 Bartercard Cup.... |
Released | August 2011 |
| Dave Houghton |
Released | August 2011 |
| James Coyle James Coyle James Edwin Coyle was a Roman Catholic priest who was murdered in Birmingham, Alabama.-Early life:James Coyle was born in Drum, County Roscommon to Owen Coyle and his wife Margaret Durney. He attended Mungret College in Limerick and the Pontifical North American College in Rome... |
Released | September 2011 |
| Steve Tyrer Steve Tyrer Stephen Tyrer is a rugby league footballer who plays for the Widnes Vikings in the Championship he previously played for Salford City Reds in the Super League. Tyrer is a goal kicking centre or winger.... |
Halifax RLFC Halifax RLFC Halifax RLFC is one of the most historic rugby league clubs in the game, formed over a century ago, in 1873 in the Yorkshire town of Halifax. Known as 'Fax', the official club colours are blue and white hoops, blue shorts and blue socks . They share The Shay stadium with football club FC Halifax Town... |
September 2011 |
Retained
| Player | Date | Contract Length |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Kavanagh |
March 2011 | 3 Years |
| Macgraff Leuluai Macgraff Leuluai Macgraff Leuluai is a New Zealand rugby league player who currently plays for the Widnes Vikings. His father, James, and his brother, Thomas, both have represented New Zealand and he is part of a wider Leuluai family that includes Phillip and Kylie.... |
July 2011 | 2 Years |
| Paddy Flynn |
July 2011 | (1 year remains on existing 3 year deal) |
| Steve Pickersgill Steve Pickersgill Steve Pickersgill born 28 November 1985 in Warrington, Cheshire, England is a rugby league player for Warrington Wolves in the European Super League.Steve Pickersgill's position of choice is as a prop and he can play in the second-row.-External links:*... |
July 2011 | (1 year remains on existing 3 year deal) |
| Dave Allen |
July 2011 | 2 Years |
| Thomas Coyle Thomas Coyle Thomas Coyle was a Canadian accused, along with Phoebe Campbell, of the 1871 murder of Phoebe's husband George Campbell. Coyle was acquitted and he later moved to England.... |
July 2011 | 2 Years |
| Kurt Haggerty |
July 2011 | 1 Year (Plus 1 year option) |
| Danny Craven Danny Craven Danny Craven is a former Australian rules footballer who played with St Kilda and the Brisbane Bears in the Victorian/Australian Football League .... |
July 2011 | 3 Years |
| Jack Owens Jack Owens Jack Owens was an American Delta blues singer and guitarist, from Bentonia, Mississippi, United States.-Biography:... |
July 2011 | 3 Years |
| Tom Gilmore Tom Gilmore Tom Gilmore may refer to:*Tom Gilmore , former politician, see North Carolina Council of State election, 2004*Tom Gilmore, Sr., member of the Australian House of Representatives from 1949 to 1951... |
July 2011 | 3 Years |
Captains
- Since relegation from Super League in 2005
| Name | |Started | Ended | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
Terry O'Connor Terry O'Connor (rugby league) Terry O'Connor is an English former rugby league footballer. His position was , or .-Career:A native of Widnes, O'Connor was picked up from local Widnes side St Maries after also playing for Widnes Tigers. He was a former barla international and toured NZ with them in 1991... |
2005 | 2006 | Retired after 2006 season |
| |
Mark Smith Mark Smith (rugby league) Mark Smith, is an English professional rugby league footballer who has just been signed by Swinton after captaining Widnes in National League One. Primarily a hooker, he previously played in Super League for the Wigan, with whom he won the 2002 Challenge Cup.Smith has been captain of the Widnes... |
2007 | 2010 | Due to Injury |
| Dave Allen | 2010 | 2011 | Replaced | |
| |
Simon Finnigan Simon Finnigan Simon Finnigan is a second row for the Widnes Vikings rugby league team.He grew up in Australia, playing for the Penrith Panthers before joining Widnes in 2003... |
2011 | N/A | Current Captain |
Club Shirts
- Since Promotion to Super League in 2001
| Year | Kit Manufacturer | Main Shirt Sponsor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Kooga KooGa KooGa is an Australia-based rugby apparel company. It was established in December 1999. The company is headquartered in Labrador on the Gold Coast of Queensland, with other Australian offices as well as a UK office in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.... |
Halton Transport Halton Transport Halton Transport is a bus operator running within the Borough of Halton and into the surrounding area, including Warrington, St Helens, Prescot, Liverpool and Chester... |
|
| 2002 | Peel | ||
| 2003 | Finnforest Finnforest Finnforest was a Finnish progressive rock band formed in the early 1970s from Kuopio, Finland.-Line-up:The line-up has included the following musicians:* Pekka Tegelman * Jussi Tegelman * Jukka Rissanen... |
||
| 2004 | |||
| 2005 | |||
| 2006 | Liverpool Capital of Culture 08 | ||
| 2007 | |||
| 2008 | Nike Nike, Inc. Nike, Inc. is a major publicly traded sportswear and equipment supplier based in the United States. The company is headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, which is part of the Portland metropolitan area... |
Stobart Stobart Group Stobart Group Ltd is a large British multimodal logistics company, with interests in Transport and Distribution, Estates, Infrastructure and Civils, Air and Biomass, through operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Belgium... |
|
| 2009 | O'Neills O'Neills O'Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd. was established in 1918. It is the largest manufacturer of sportswear in Ireland and has manufacturing plants in Dublin and Strabane.... |
||
| 2010 | |||
| 2011 | |||
| 2012 | |||
| 2013 | |||
| 2014 | |||
Current Table
| Team | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Featherstone Rovers Featherstone Rovers Featherstone Rovers are a semi-professional rugby league club, based in Featherstone, West Yorkshire, England. They currently play in the Championship. The Rovers are one of the last vestiges of "small town teams" that were once common in rugby league during the early twentieth century... |
19 | 17 | 1 | 1 | 796 | 344 | +452 | 0 | 53 |
| 2 | Leigh Centurions Leigh Centurions Leigh Centurions is an English professional rugby league club based in Leigh, Greater Manchester who play in the Co-operative Championship.The club was founded in 1878 as Leigh Rugby Football Club and is one of the original twenty-two clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in... |
19 | 17 | 1 | 1 | 736 | 346 | +390 | 0 | 50 |
| 3 | Batley Bulldogs Batley Bulldogs Batley Bulldogs are an English professional rugby league club from Batley, West Yorkshire. They currently play in the Co-operative Championship. Batley is one of the original twenty-two rugby football clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in 1895... |
20 | 12 | 0 | 8 | 498 | 406 | +92 | 5 | 41 |
| 4 | Widnes Vikings Widnes Vikings Widnes Vikings RLFC are an English professional rugby league club based in Widnes, Cheshire. They currently play in the Engage Super League, the top tier of European rugby league, after being awarded a license to compete in the top-flight Super League from 2012 onward... |
19 | 11 | 1 | 7 | 551 | 488 | +63 | 3 | 38 |
| 5 | Sheffield Eagles Sheffield Eagles Sheffield Eagles RLFC are an English rugby league club based in the South Yorkshire city of Sheffield. They currently play in the Co-operative Championship. Their home games are played at Bramall Lane after leaving Don Valley Stadium in late 2009.... |
19 | 11 | 0 | 8 | 525 | 470 | +55 | 3 | 36 |
| 6 | Halifax RLFC Halifax RLFC Halifax RLFC is one of the most historic rugby league clubs in the game, formed over a century ago, in 1873 in the Yorkshire town of Halifax. Known as 'Fax', the official club colours are blue and white hoops, blue shorts and blue socks . They share The Shay stadium with football club FC Halifax Town... |
19 | 9 | 0 | 10 | 537 | 519 | +18 | 6 | 33 |
| 7 | Barrow Raiders Barrow Raiders Barrow Raiders are an English professional rugby league team from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, who are coached by Dave Clark. Formed in 1875 as Barrow Football Club, the club is the oldest of the current professional sports teams in Cumbria.... |
19 | 8 | 0 | 11 | 485 | 512 | -27 | 8 | 26 |
| 8 | Hunslet Hawks Hunslet Hawks Hunslet Hawks is a professional rugby league club based in Hunslet, West Yorkshire, England. The club, sometimes known as 'the Parksiders' after their former stadium, are currently champions of Championship One.-History:-Early years:... |
19 | 4 | 1 | 14 | 371 | 498 | -227 | 5 | 19 |
| 9 | York City Knights York City Knights York City Knights Rugby League Club is a British professional rugby league club hailing from York. They play at the Huntington Stadium, situated to the north of York city centre... |
19 | 5 | 1 | 13 | 398 | 736 | −338 | 2 | 19 |
| 10 | Dewsbury Rams Dewsbury Rams Dewsbury Rams RLFC is a professional rugby league club based in the West Yorkshire town of Dewsbury. They are arguably most famous for becoming Champions in 1972-73 after finishing the regular season in 8th place. In the playoffs they beat Featherstone away, Warrington away, and then Leeds in the... |
19 | 4 | 1 | 14 | 391 | 578 | −187 | 4 | 18 |
| 11 | Toulouse Olympique Toulouse Olympique Toulouse Olympique are a French professional rugby league team from Toulouse, in the southwest of France. They were founded on 22 October, in 1937 two years after the founding of the French Rugby League Federation. Between 1995 and 2002 the club were known as Spacers de Toulouse, due to links with... |
19 | 4 | 0 | 15 | 330 | 621 | -291 | 3 | 15 |
| Teams qualifying for the Play-offs | |
| Teams in relegation position |
Competition points: For win = 3; For draw = 2; For loss by 12 points or fewer = 1.
Note: Leigh deducted 3 points for salary cap breach (June 2011)
Note: Barrow deducted 6 points for salary cap breach (July 2011)
Note: Toulouse withdraw from the Championship from 2012 onwards, and are exempt from relegation (August 2011)
Honours
- Championship: 3 Times
-
- 1977–78, 1987–88, 1988–89
- Challenge CupChallenge CupThe Challenge Cup is a knockout cup competition for rugby league clubs organised by the Rugby Football League. Originally it was contested only by British teams but in recent years has been expanded to allow teams from France and Russia to take part....
: 7 Times
-
- 1929–30, 1936–37, 1963–64, 1974–75, 1978–79, 1980–81, 1983–84
- PremiershipRugby League PremiershipThe Rugby League Premiership was a competition for British rugby league clubs that operated between 1973 and 1995. As the Super League Premiership the competition continued to operate until 1997....
: 6 Times
-
- 1979–80, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1987–88, 1988–89, 1989–90
- Lancashire CupRugby league county cupsHistorically, British rugby league clubs competed for the Lancashire Cup and the Yorkshire Cup, known collectively as the county cups. The leading rugby clubs in Yorkshire had played in a cup competition for several years prior to the schism of 1895...
: 7 Times
-
- 1945–46, 1973–74, 1974–75, 1975–76, 1977–78, 1978–79, 1990–91
- Lancashire LeagueRugby league county leaguesThe Yorkshire League and the Lancashire League formed two sections of the Rugby Football League Championship for much of its history. Initially, the 22 clubs that broke away in 1895 played in one combined league, however the following season saw the addition of many clubs, and the League was split...
: 1 Time
-
- 1919–20
- BBC2 Floodlit TrophyBBC2 Floodlit TrophyThe BBC2 Floodlit Trophy was a competition for British rugby league clubs held between 1965 and 1980. It was designed specifically for television, and the then director of BBC2, broadcaster David Attenborough, was instrumental in its creation...
: 1 Time
-
- 1977–78
- Regal TrophyRegal TrophyThe Regal Trophy was a knock-out competition for British rugby league football clubs between 1971 and 1996.It was initially for professional clubs with the exception of two amateur teams who were finalists of the BARLA National Cup...
: 3 Times
-
- 1975–76, 1978–79, 1991–92
- World Club ChallengeWorld Club ChallengeThe World Club Challenge is an annual rugby league football match held between the champions of the Australasian National Rugby League and the European Super League competitions to determine the world's best rugby league club...
: 1 Time
-
- 1989–90
- European Champions: 1 Time
-
- 1989
- Charity ShieldRugby League Charity Shield (Great Britain)The Rugby League Charity Shield was a trophy for British rugby league clubs that was held as a one-off match at the beginning of a new season. It was modelled on English football's Charity Shield, and was held between 1985 and 1995. Normally the team that had won last season's championship would...
: 3 Times
-
- 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91
- Northern Ford Premiership: 1 Time
-
- 2001
- Northern Rail Cup: 2 Times
-
- 2007, 2009
Player records
- Most tries in a match: 7 by Phil CantillonPhil CantillonPhil Cantillon is a British former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He signed professionally for his home town club Wigan in 1992 and captained Great Britain Academy on the 1994 Australia Tour and in 1995, whilst appearing for the first team in the annual Wigan Sevens in 1994...
vs York WaspsYork City KnightsYork City Knights Rugby League Club is a British professional rugby league club hailing from York. They play at the Huntington Stadium, situated to the north of York city centre...
, 18 February 2001 - Fastest Hat trick in a match: 10 minutes by Danny Hulme vs Halifax RLFCHalifax RLFCHalifax RLFC is one of the most historic rugby league clubs in the game, formed over a century ago, in 1873 in the Yorkshire town of Halifax. Known as 'Fax', the official club colours are blue and white hoops, blue shorts and blue socks . They share The Shay stadium with football club FC Halifax Town...
. 21 April 2011, - Most goals in a match: 14 by Mark HewittMark HewittMark Hewitt is an English studio potter living in the small town of Pittsboro, North Carolina outside of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, known for his functional pottery and especially for his large scale wood-fired, salt-glazed ceramic pots, known as "monster pots." His work is influenced by Asian...
vs Oldham RoughyedsOldham RoughyedsOldham Roughyeds is an English professional rugby league club based in Oldham, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the Championship One. Oldham is one of the original twenty-two rugby clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in 1895....
, 25 July 1999, Tim HartleyTim HartleyTim Hartley born in 2 January 1986 in Warrington, Cheshire, England is a rugby league player for Widnes Vikings in National League One.Tim Hartley's position of choice is as a stand-off....
vs Saddleworth Rangers, 7 March 2009 - Most points in a match: 38 by Gavin DoddGavin DoddGavin Dodd is an English rugby league player.Dodd plays for Swinton in National League One. He also plays for Ireland.Dodd's position of choice is as a winger or at full-back, but he can also operate as a centre.Gavin Dodd is also a useful goal-kicker....
vs Doncaster Lakers, 10 June 2007 - Most tries in a season: 58 by Martin OffiahMartin OffiahMartin Offiah MBE is an English former rugby league and rugby union footballer.He is known as "Chariots" Offiah after the film Chariots of Fire...
, 1988–89 - Most goals in a season: 161 by Mick NanynMick NanynMick Nanyn is an English rugby league player. Nanyn's usual position is centre. He is a specialist goal-kicker.Nanyn plays for Leigh, on a loan deal from Harlequins RL in Super League. He also plays for Scotland....
, 2007 - Most points in a season: 434 by Mick NanynMick NanynMick Nanyn is an English rugby league player. Nanyn's usual position is centre. He is a specialist goal-kicker.Nanyn plays for Leigh, on a loan deal from Harlequins RL in Super League. He also plays for Scotland....
, 2007 - Most career tries: 234 by Mal Aspey, 1964–80
- Most career goals: 1083 by Ray DuttonRay DuttonRaymond "Ray" F. Dutton is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Widnes, playing at , i.e...
1966–78 - Most career points: 2195 by Ray DuttonRay DuttonRaymond "Ray" F. Dutton is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Widnes, playing at , i.e...
1966–78 - Most career appearances: 587+4 by Keith ElwellKeith ElwellKeith Elwell is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Widnes, playing at , i.e...
1970–86
100+ Tries
- 234 Mal Aspey 1964–65 - 1979–80
- 199 Eric HughesEric HughesEric Hughes was a rugby league footballer for the Widnes Vikings, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and for the Great Britain national side. He unwittingly added confusion to the Canterbury side as he played at the same time as the three Hughes brothers Garry, Graeme and Mark.Hughes coached Rochdale...
[Centre] 1969–70 - 1983–84 - 181 Martin OffiahMartin OffiahMartin Offiah MBE is an English former rugby league and rugby union footballer.He is known as "Chariots" Offiah after the film Chariots of Fire...
1987–88 - 1990–91 - 161 David HulmeDavid Hulme (rugby league)David Hulme is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Widnes, Leeds Rhinos, and Salford City Reds, playing at /, or /, i.e. number 6, or 7...
1980–81 - 1996 & 2000 - 2001 - 151 Stuart WrightStuart WrightStuart Wright is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s, 70s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Wigan, and Widnes, playing at , i.e...
1976–77 - 1986–87 - 144 Frank MylerFrank MylerFrank Myler was an English professional Rugby League World Cup winning footballer. He played , or / for Widnes and St. Helens, and also captained the Great Britain national team.Myler also coached Rochdale from May, 1971 to October 1974....
1955–56 - 1967–68 - 120 John DevereuxJohn Devereux (rugby)John Anthony Devereux is a Welsh former dual-code rugby football international. In 1989 he toured with the British and Irish Lions and at the time played club rugby union for Bridgend...
1989–90 - 1997 - 118 Andy CurrierAndy CurrierAndy S. Currier is a British former rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s. A rangy centre, he achieved representative selection for Great Britain Lions and played most of his club football with Widnes as well as stints with Featherstone Rovers, Warrington Wolves and Australian team the...
1983–84 - 1992–93 & 1997 - 114 Phil CantillonPhil CantillonPhil Cantillon is a British former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He signed professionally for his home town club Wigan in 1992 and captained Great Britain Academy on the 1994 Australia Tour and in 1995, whilst appearing for the first team in the annual Wigan Sevens in 1994...
1999 - 2003 - 112 Dennis O'NeillDennis O'NeillDennis O'Neill CBE is a Welsh operatic tenor and recording artist.-Early career:Born of Welsh and Irish parents, he studied privately with Professor Frederic Cox in Manchester and then in London...
1966–67 - 1978–79 - 111 Johnny Gaydon 1961–62 - 1971–72
- 110 William Thompson 1956–57 - 1964–65
- 108 Derek `Mick` George 1971–72 - 1981–82
- 107 Darren WrightDarren WrightDarren Wright was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s. A Great Britain international representative three-quarter back, he played club football in England for Widnes and in Australia for the North Sydney BearsWright toured Australia and New Zealand with the British...
1985–86 - 1996 - 106 Tommy McCueTommy McCueTommy McCue was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1930s and '40s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Widnes, playing at /, i.e...
1931–32 - 1948–49 - 103 John BasnettJohn BasnettJohn Basnett is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Widnes, playing at , i.e...
1981–82 - 1986–87 - 102 William ReidWilliam Reid (rugby league)William Reid was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1910s who at representative level played for England, and at club level for Widnes.-International honours:William Reid won a cap for England while at Widnes in 1914 against Wales....
1909–10 - 1926–27 - 101 James "Jimmy" HoeyJames Hoey (rugby league)James "Jimmy" Hoey was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1930s who at representative level played for England, and at club level for Widnes.-International honours:...
1922–23 - 1934–35
150+ Goals
- 1072 Ray DuttonRay DuttonRaymond "Ray" F. Dutton is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Widnes, playing at , i.e...
1965–66 - 1977–78 - 708 Mick BurkeMick BurkeMichael "Mick" Burke is an English former rugby league footballer of the 1970s and 80s. He represented both England and Great Britain whilst playing club football for Widnes....
1978–79 - 1986–87 - 434 Jonathan Davies 1988–89 - 1992–93
- 395 James "Jimmy" HoeyJames Hoey (rugby league)James "Jimmy" Hoey was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1930s who at representative level played for England, and at club level for Widnes.-International honours:...
1922–23 - 1934–35 - 389 Robert Randall 1960–61 - 1964–65
- 383 Harry Dawson 1951–52 - 1962–63
- 295 Mick NanynMick NanynMick Nanyn is an English rugby league player. Nanyn's usual position is centre. He is a specialist goal-kicker.Nanyn plays for Leigh, on a loan deal from Harlequins RL in Super League. He also plays for Scotland....
2006 - 2007 - 243 John Myler http://www.rugbyleague.org/features/content.php?feat_id=276&featcat_id=32 1976–77 - 1988–89
- 213 John Sale 1951–52 - 1957–58
- 209 Robin Whitfield 1961–62 - 1967–68
- 207 Arthur Pimblett 1957–58 - 1961–62
- 202 Mark HewittMark HewittMark Hewitt is an English studio potter living in the small town of Pittsboro, North Carolina outside of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, known for his functional pottery and especially for his large scale wood-fired, salt-glazed ceramic pots, known as "monster pots." His work is influenced by Asian...
1998 - 1999 - 201 Andy CurrierAndy CurrierAndy S. Currier is a British former rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s. A rangy centre, he achieved representative selection for Great Britain Lions and played most of his club football with Widnes as well as stints with Featherstone Rovers, Warrington Wolves and Australian team the...
1983–84 - 1992–93 & 1997 - 195 Peter ToppingPeter ToppingPeter Topping is a British mathematician working in Geometric Analysis.He obtained his PhD in 1997 at the University of Warwick under the supervision of Mario Joseph Micallef.He is currently Professor at the University of Warwick....
1927–28 - 1939–40 - 167 Colin Hutton 1945–46 - 1950–51
- 162 Harry TaylorHarry Taylor (rugby league)W. Harry Taylor was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1890s and 1900s who at representative level played for Great Britain , and England, and at club level for Hull, playing at , i.e...
1908–09 - 1921–22
Team records
- Biggest victory: 88–0 vs Saddleworth Rangers home, 7 March 2009
- Worst defeat: 10-64 vs Wigan WarriorsWigan WarriorsWigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011....
home, 8 May 2010 - Highest attendance: 24,205 vs St Helens, 16 February 1961
Players earning International Caps while at Widnes
- Michael "Mick" AdamsMick AdamsMichael "Mick" Adams is a former rugby league player for the Widnes, Canterbury Bulldogs and for the Great Britain national side. He was also one of the original thirteen former Widnes players inducted into The Widnes Hall of Fame in 1992....
- John BasnettJohn BasnettJohn Basnett is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Widnes, playing at , i.e...
- Keith BentleyKeith BentleyKeith Bentley is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Widnes, playing at , i.e. number 2 or 5.-International honours:...
- Michael "Mick" BurkeMick BurkeMichael "Mick" Burke is an English former rugby league footballer of the 1970s and 80s. He represented both England and Great Britain whilst playing club football for Widnes....
- Frank CollierFrank CollierFrank Collier is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1950s and '60s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Wigan, and Widnes, playing at , , i.e...
- John DevereuxJohn Devereux (rugby)John Anthony Devereux is a Welsh former dual-code rugby football international. In 1989 he toured with the British and Irish Lions and at the time played club rugby union for Bridgend...
- Ray DuttonRay DuttonRaymond "Ray" F. Dutton is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Widnes, playing at , i.e...
- David EckersleyDavid EckersleyDavid "Dave" Eckersley is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for St. Helens, Widnes, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, and Fulham RLFC, playing at , or /, i.e...
- Keith ElwellKeith ElwellKeith Elwell is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Widnes, playing at , i.e...
- Richard EyresRichard EyresRichard "Richie" Eyres is an English former professional rugby league and rugby union footballer of the 1980s and 1990s who at representative level has played rugby league for Great Britain, and Wales, and at club level for Widnes Vikings, Warrington Wolves, Leeds Rhinos, Sheffield Eagles, and...
- John FieldhouseJohn Fieldhouse (rugby league)John Fieldhouse is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for St. Helens, and Widnes, playing at , or , i.e. number 8 or 10, or, 11 or 12.-International honours:...
- John "Jackie" FlemingJohn Fleming (rugby league)John "Jackie" Fleming is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1940s and '50s who at representative level has played for England, and at club level for Warrington, and Widnes.-International honours:...
- Ray FrenchRay FrenchRaymond James French MBE is a former rugby union and rugby league player who achieved the rare honour of representing his country at international level in both codes of the game. French won his four caps for the England national rugby union team in 1961 as a lock forward, playing in all four...
- Leslie "Les" GorleyLes GorleyLeslie "Les" N. Gorley is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Workington Town, and Widnes, playing at , i.e...
- Adrian HadleyAdrian HadleyAdrian Michael Hadley is a former Wales international rugby union and rugby league player, as a . He played his club rugby for Cardiff and was in the Wales rugby union squad for the 1987 Rugby World Cup.-Rugby union career:...
- Lee Hansen
- Ian HareIan HareIan Hare is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Widnes, playing at , i.e. number 2 or 5.-International honours:...
- Alec HigginsAlec HigginsAlec 'Harold' Higgins is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1920s, '30s and '40s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, England, and Lancashire, and at club level for Widnes, playing at , i.e...
- Fred HigginsFred HigginsFred Higgins is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1940s and '50s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Widnes, playing at , i.e...
- James "Jimmy" HoeyJames Hoey (rugby league)James "Jimmy" Hoey was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1930s who at representative level played for England, and at club level for Widnes.-International honours:...
- Leslie "Les" HollidayLes HollidayLeslie "Les" W. Holliday is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Swinton, Halifax, Widnes, and Dewsbury, playing at , or /, i.e...
- Eric HughesEric HughesEric Hughes was a rugby league footballer for the Widnes Vikings, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and for the Great Britain national side. He unwittingly added confusion to the Canterbury side as he played at the same time as the three Hughes brothers Garry, Graeme and Mark.Hughes coached Rochdale...
- David HulmeDavid Hulme (rugby league)David Hulme is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Widnes, Leeds Rhinos, and Salford City Reds, playing at /, or /, i.e. number 6, or 7...
- Paul HulmePaul HulmePaul Hulme is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Widnes, and Warrington Wolves, playing at , i.e. number 9...
- Arthur 'Chick' Johnson
- Frederick "Fred" KelsallFrederick KelsallFrederick "Fred" Kelsall was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1920s and '30s who at representative level played for England, and Cheshire, and at club level for Widnes, playing at , i.e...
- George KemelGeorge KemelGeorge Kemel is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Widnes, playing at , i.e...
- John "Jack" LallyJohn LallyJohn "Jack" Lally was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1900s who at representative level played for England, and at club level for Widnes.-International honours:...
- Doug LaughtonDoug LaughtonC. Doug Laughton is an English former rugby league footballer and coach. He played club football as a , or / for St. Helens, Wigan, Widnes and Canterbury Bulldogs...
- Thomas "Tommy" McCue
- Steve McCurrieSteve McCurrieSteve McCurrie is an English former rugby league footballer. He was an England international and played at the 1995 Rugby League World Cup. He played club football for Hensingham ARLFC, and Widnes appearing in the 1993 Challenge Cup Final for them....
- Hugh McDowellHugh McDowell (rugby league)Hugh McDowell is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1930s who at representative level has played for England, and at club level for Widnes.-International honours:...
- James "Jim" MeasuresJim MeasuresJames "Jim" Measures is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for St. Helens, Widnes, and Rochdale Hornets, playing at , i.e...
- Harry MillingtonHarry MillingtonHarry Millington is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1920s, '30s and '40s who at representative level has played for England, and at club level for Widnes.-International honours:...
- 'Big' Jim Mills
- Anthony "Tony" MylerTony MylerTony Myler is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s. A Great Britain international representative stand-off half back, he played club football in England for Widnes, with whom he won the Rugby League Premiership in 1983, as well as a stint in Australia with the...
- Frank MylerFrank MylerFrank Myler was an English professional Rugby League World Cup winning footballer. He played , or / for Widnes and St. Helens, and also captained the Great Britain national team.Myler also coached Rochdale from May, 1971 to October 1974....
- Daniel "Danny" Naughton
- George NichollsGeorge Nicholls (rugby league)George Nicholls is an English former Rugby League World Cup and multiple award winning footballer of the 1970s....
- Dennis O'NeillDennis O'Neill (rugby league)Dennis O'Neill is a former professional Rugby League World Cup winning footballer of the 1970s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Widnes, playing at /, i.e...
- Michael "Mike" O'NeillMike O'Neill (rugby league)Michael "Mike" O'Neill is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and Lancashire, and at club level for Widnes, and Leeds, playing at , i.e...
- Martin OffiahMartin OffiahMartin Offiah MBE is an English former rugby league and rugby union footballer.He is known as "Chariots" Offiah after the film Chariots of Fire...
- Harry PinnerHarry PinnerHarry Pinner is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for St. Helens, Widnes, and Bradford Northern, playing at /, i.e...
- Andy PlattAndy PlattAndy Platt is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s. A Great Britain international representative prop forward, he played for English clubs St Helens, Wigan, Widnes and Salford, as well as in New Zealand for the Auckland Warriors.-Playing career:He started his...
- William ReidWilliam Reid (rugby league)William Reid was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1910s who at representative level played for England, and at club level for Widnes.-International honours:William Reid won a cap for England while at Widnes in 1914 against Wales....
- Robert RobertsRobert Roberts (rugby league)Robert Roberts is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1930s and '40s who at representative level has played for England, and at club level for Widnes.-International honours:...
- Thomas "Tommy" ShannonThomas Shannon (rugby league)Thomas "Tommy" Shannon is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1930s who at representative level has played for England, and at club level for Widnes.-International honours:...
- Glyn ShawGlyn ShawGlyndwr "Glyn" Shaw is a Welsh former dual-code international rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played rugby union for Wales, and at club level for Neath RFC, playing at Prop forward, i.e...
- Nathan "Nat" Silcock, Sr.Nat Silcock, Snr.Nat Silcock was a Rugby League player, best known as Captain of Widnes and as a member of the England team.Nat, who lost count of the number of appearances he made for Lancashire, was one of the few forwards to go on two tours down under while on the Naughton Park staff.He toured in 1932 and 1936...
- Stuart SpruceStuart SpruceStuart Spruce was a for Widnes/Widnes Vikings, and from 1996 to 2001 the Bradford Bulls.-Widnes:Stuart Spruce made his debut for Widnes during the 1989-90 season, under coach Doug Laughton. When regular fullback Alan Tait quit for Leeds, Spruce became the permanent fullback.-Bradford Bulls:Spruce...
- Alan TaitAlan TaitAlan V. Tait is a Scottish rugby footballer and coach. He is currently head coach at Newcastle Falcons and a former rugby league and rugby union footballer who played outside centre for Scotland and the British and Irish Lions...
- Darren WrightDarren WrightDarren Wright was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s. A Great Britain international representative three-quarter back, he played club football in England for Widnes and in Australia for the North Sydney BearsWright toured Australia and New Zealand with the British...
- Stuart WrightStuart WrightStuart Wright is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s, 70s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Wigan, and Widnes, playing at , i.e...
- Harry YoungHarry Young (rugby league)Harry Young was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1910s and '20s who at representative level played for England, and at club level for Widnes.-International honours:...
Other Notable Players
- Mal Aspey
- Edgar Bate
- Bob BeswickBob BeswickBob Beswick is an English-born Irish international rugby league player.Bob Beswick plays for the Leigh Centurions in Cooprative Championship...
- Reg Bowden
- James "Jim" Bright
- Phil CantillonPhil CantillonPhil Cantillon is a British former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He signed professionally for his home town club Wigan in 1992 and captained Great Britain Academy on the 1994 Australia Tour and in 1995, whilst appearing for the first team in the annual Wigan Sevens in 1994...
- Robert "Bobby" Chisnall
- Gary ConnollyGary ConnollyGary J. Connolly was a rugby league full back who later played at centre for St Helens, Canterbury Bulldogs, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos and for the Great Britain national side. In the twilight of his career, he played rugby union for Irish side Munster.Connolly was a dependable centre capable of...
- Eddie CunninghamEddie CunninghamEdward "Eddie" Cunningham is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level played for Great Britain and Wales, and at club level for Wigan, St. Helens, Leeds, and Widnes, playing at , or /, i.e. number 3 or 4, 11 or 12, or 13, during the era of...
- Andy CurrierAndy CurrierAndy S. Currier is a British former rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s. A rangy centre, he achieved representative selection for Great Britain Lions and played most of his club football with Widnes as well as stints with Featherstone Rovers, Warrington Wolves and Australian team the...
- Jonathan Davies
- Alan Dearden
- Barry Dowd
- Terrence "Terry" Galligan (#12)
- Dean GaskellDean GaskellDean Gaskell, born 12 April 1983 is an English rugby league player.Gaskell plays for the Widnes Vikings in National League One. He also plays for Ireland.Dean Gaskell's position of choice is on the wing, but he can also operate as a full-back....
- Michael "Mick" George
- Andy GregoryAndy GregoryAndrew "Andy" Gregory is an English former rugby league footballer. A Great Britain international representative /, he is an inductee of the Wigan Hall of Fame...
- Joe Grima
- Brian HoganBrian Hogan (rugby league)Brian Hogan is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s who at representative level has played for England, and at club level for Wigan, playing at , i.e...
- Arthur Hughes
- Walter "Wally" Hurstfield
- Vince KaraliusVince KaraliusVincent Peter Patrick Karalius was an English professional Rugby League World Cup winning and coach who forged a fearsome reputation both as a strong runner of the ball, and as a devastating tackler.-Club career:...
- George KemelGeorge KemelGeorge Kemel is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Widnes, playing at , i.e...
- Toa Kohe-LoveToa Kohe-LoveToa Kohe-Love is a professional rugby league player. Kohe-Love currently plays for the Widnes Vikings in the National League One. Kohe-Love represented Aotearoa Māori at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup...
- Emosi KolotoEmosi KolotoEmosi Koloto is a New Zealand former rugby league and rugby union footballer. He represented the New Zealand Kiwis 5 times during 1991. Koloto played his rugby league as a Second-row forward-Early years:...
- Brian LockwoodBrian LockwoodBrian Lockwood was a Rugby League World Cup winning footballer of the 1970s and 80s. He played for Canterbury-Bankstown, Balmain, Widnes, Hull KR, Castleford, Wakefield Trinity and for the Great Britain national side...
- Joe Lydon
- Barrie McDermottBarrie McDermottBarrie McDermott is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A Great Britain international representative , he played his club football at Oldham, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos , Bramley and Widnes.McDermott later became the Head of Youth Development with...
- Phil McKenzie
- Shane MillardShane MillardShane Millard is an Australian retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s.During his career he played for Super League sides London Broncos, Widnes Vikings, Leeds Rhinos & Wigan Warriors as well as gaining recognition in the NRL with Sydney Roosters, Souths and St George...
- Dennis MoranDennis Moran (rugby league)Dennis Moran, born 22 January 1977 is an Australian rugby league player.While attending Duval High School, Moran played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 1995.Dennis Moran plays for the Leigh Centurions in National League One....
- Mick NanynMick NanynMick Nanyn is an English rugby league player. Nanyn's usual position is centre. He is a specialist goal-kicker.Nanyn plays for Leigh, on a loan deal from Harlequins RL in Super League. He also plays for Scotland....
- George NichollsGeorge Nicholls (rugby league)George Nicholls is an English former Rugby League World Cup and multiple award winning footballer of the 1970s....
- Albert NaughtonAlbert NaughtonAlbert "Ally" Naughton is an English former professional Rugby League World Cup winning footballer of the 1940s, '50s and '60s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, England, and Lancashire, and at club level for Widnes, and Warrington, playing at , or , i.e. number 3 or 4, or 13...
- John "Johnny" Naughton
- Terry O'ConnorTerry O'Connor (rugby league)Terry O'Connor is an English former rugby league footballer. His position was , or .-Career:A native of Widnes, O'Connor was picked up from local Widnes side St Maries after also playing for Widnes Tigers. He was a former barla international and toured NZ with them in 1991...
- Julian O'NeillJulian O'NeillO'Neill then played at fullback in all three games of the 1994 State of Origin series under coach Wally Lewis. During the 1994 NSWRL season, O'Neill played at lock forward for defending premiers Brisbane when they hosted British champions Wigan for the 1994 World Club Challenge. In 1994 and 1995...
- Julian O'NeillJulian O'Neill (New Zealand)Julian O'Neill is a former professional rugby league footballer who spent most of his career playing in Super League...
- Steve O'NeillSteve O'Neill (rugby league)Steve O'Neill is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s who at representative level has played for England, and at club level for Widnes, Wigan, and Gateshead Thunder, playing at , i.e number 8 or 10....
- David PeacheyDavid PeacheyDavid Peachey is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative fullback, he played the majority of his club football in the National Rugby League for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks...
- Kevin PennyKevin PennyKevin Penny is an English rugby league for Swinton in rugby league's Championship. He has previously played for Warrington, Wakefield Trinity and on loan for Harlequins RL and Widnes. Penny is also a youth level international for England....
- Derek Pyke
- Robert "Bob" Randall
- Albert Ratcliffe
- Mark SmithMark Smith (rugby league)Mark Smith, is an English professional rugby league footballer who has just been signed by Swinton after captaining Widnes in National League One. Primarily a hooker, he previously played in Super League for the Wigan, with whom he won the 2002 Challenge Cup.Smith has been captain of the Widnes...
- Kurt Sorenson
- Alan TaitAlan TaitAlan V. Tait is a Scottish rugby footballer and coach. He is currently head coach at Newcastle Falcons and a former rugby league and rugby union footballer who played outside centre for Scotland and the British and Irish Lions...
- Rick Thackray
- William "Billy" Thompson
- Brian Winstanley
Super League Era Players
- Paul Alcock http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Paul_Alcock.html circa-2003
- Paul AtchesonPaul AtchesonPaul 'Patch' Atcheson is British former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He played at representative level for Great Britain, and Wales, and at club level for Widnes Vikings , Wigan, Oldham Bears, and St. Helens, playing at , i.e...
circa-2002 - Paul BallardPaul Ballard (rugby league)Paul Ballard born September 4, 1984 is a rugby league player for the Crusaders in the European Super League.Paul Ballard's position of choice is in the wing.He has previously played for Leigh Centurions and also Widnes Vikings in the Super League....
circa-2005 - Richie Barnett Jnr http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Richie_Barnett_Jnr.html circa-2005
- Adam Bibey http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Adam_Bibey.html circa-2004
- Deon BirdDeon BirdDeon Bird is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who at club level has played for Paris Saint-Germain, Adelaide Rams, Gateshead Thunder, Hull, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Widnes Vikings, and Castleford Tigers, playing at , i.e. number 3 or 4.-External...
circa-2003 - Michael "Mike" Briggs http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Mike_Briggs.html circa-2002
- Blake Cannova http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Blake_Cannova.html circa-2002
- Phil CantillonPhil CantillonPhil Cantillon is a British former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He signed professionally for his home town club Wigan in 1992 and captained Great Britain Academy on the 1994 Australia Tour and in 1995, whilst appearing for the first team in the annual Wigan Sevens in 1994...
circa-2002 - Steve CarterSteve Carter (rugby league)Steve Carter is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. A New South Wales State of Origin representative five-eighth, in Australia he played for and captained the Penrith Panthers, with whom he won the 1991 NSWRL Premiership...
circa-2002 - Mick CassidyMick CassidyMichael "Mick" D. Cassidy, is an English former rugby league player. Cassidy is currently the fitness coach for the Widnes Vikings after retring from the game in 2008. Cassidy had a wealth experience with the dominant Wigan side of the early to mid-90s. Cassidy is a Great Britain representative...
circa-2005 - Gary ConnollyGary ConnollyGary J. Connolly was a rugby league full back who later played at centre for St Helens, Canterbury Bulldogs, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos and for the Great Britain national side. In the twilight of his career, he played rugby union for Irish side Munster.Connolly was a dependable centre capable of...
circa-2005 - Owen CraigieOwen CraigieOwen Craigie is an Australian rugby league footballer. He previously played for the Newcastle Knights, Wests Tigers and South Sydney Rabbitohs in the National Rugby League, and the Widnes Vikings in the English Super League. Craigie primarily played at five-eighth...
circa-2005 - Paul Crook http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Paul_Crook.html circa-2005
- Jason DemetriouJason Demetriou (rugby league)Jason Demetriou is a rugby league footballer who is a former captain of Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, he is currently player/manager for Keighley Cougars. His usual position is loose forward, and he can also play centre or stand off...
circa-2002 - Paul Devlin http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Paul_Devlin.html circa-2002
- Jamie Durbin http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Jamie_Durbin.html circa-2005
- Barry EatonBarry EatonBarry Eaton is a former Welsh international rugby league player who is currently assistant coach at Crusaders. He was a .Barry Eaton played in all but three of Widnes Vikings' 28 matches in their first season in Super League...
circa-2002 - Andrew EmelioAndrew EmelioAndrew 'Drew' Emelio is a professional rugby league footballer who played for the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League competition...
circa-2005
- Sala Fa'alogoSala Fa'alogoSala Fa'alogo is a New Zealand rugby league player who played professionally for Widnes in the Super League. He currently plays for the Mount Albert Lions in the Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition....
http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Sala_Fa-alogo.html circa-2004 - Anthony FarrellAnthony FarrellAnthony Farrell was an English/Welsh rugby league player. He played for England, Wales, Huddersfield Giants, Sheffield Eagles, Leeds Rhinos, Widnes Vikings and Halifax, playing at , or ....
circa-2002 - Simon FinniganSimon FinniganSimon Finnigan is a second row for the Widnes Vikings rugby league team.He grew up in Australia, playing for the Penrith Panthers before joining Widnes in 2003...
circa-2003 - Daniel FrameDaniel FrameDaniel Frame , was a rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He played for the Melbourne Storm in 1998, then went over to England to play with the Widnes Vikings from 2002-05.-External links:...
http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Daniel_Frame.html circa-2002 - Tommy GallagherTommy Gallagher (rugby league)Tommy Gallagher is a rugby league player who plays as a forward for Swinton. The forward has played prop and second-row, his favoured position being loose-forward but he usually plays at the more suitable position of prop forward....
circa-2004 - Christopher "Chris" Giles http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Chris_Giles.html circa-2003
- Marvin GoldenMarvin GoldenMarvin Golden is an English former rugby league footballer.Marvin Golden's position of choice was as a centre.He played for Leeds Rhinos, London Broncos and Widnes Vikings in the European Super League...
circa-2003 - Gareth HaggertyGareth HaggertyGareth Haggerty is an Irish international rugby league player. He plays for the Widnes Vikings in the Co-operative Championship. He previously played for Harlequins RL, St Helens, and Salford City Reds all of whom he play in the European Super League.Haggerty's usual position is prop-forward...
circa-2002 - Steve Hall circa-2004
- Andrew "Andy" HayAndy HayAndy Hay is a former rugby league player And Current Super League Assistant Coach.Andy Hay was an England international and played at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup Scoring 2 tries in consecutive games against Russia & Fiji respectively....
circa-2003 - Andrew "Andy" Hobson http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Andy_Hobson.html circa-2004
- Timothy "Tim" Holmes http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Tim_Holmes.html circa-2004
- Adam HughesAdam Hughes (rugby league)Adam Hughes is a professional rugby league and rugby union footballer who at representative level has played for Wales, and at club level for , Leeds Rhinos, Leeds Tykes , Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Halifax, Widnes Vikings, Leigh Centurions, Oldham Roughyeds, and Barrow Raiders, playing at , or ,...
circa-2002 - Gary HulseGary HulseGary Hulse is a professional rugby league footballer who at representative level has played for Wales, and at club level for Warrington Wolves, Widnes Vikings, Rochdale Hornets, and Swinton Lions, playing at /, or /, i.e. number 1, 6, or 7....
http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Gary_Hulse.html circa-2005 - Aled JamesAled JamesAled James is rugby league player-coach for the South Wales Scorpions in the Championship 1. He previously played for the Crusaders in the European Super League...
circa-2003 - Bruce Johnson http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Bruce_Johnson.html circa-2004
- Keiran Kerr http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Keiran_Kerr.html circa-2005
- Dean LawfordDean LawfordDean Lawford is a rugby league half back for Dewsbury Rams. He has played for Sheffield Eagles, Leeds Rhinos, Bramley Buffaloes, Huddersfield Giants, Halifax, Widnes Vikings, Dewsbury Celtic, and Batley Bulldogs....
circa-2003 - Karl Long http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Karl_Long.html circa-2002
- Misili Manu http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Misili_Manu.html circa-2005
- Steve McCurrieSteve McCurrieSteve McCurrie is an English former rugby league footballer. He was an England international and played at the 1995 Rugby League World Cup. He played club football for Hensingham ARLFC, and Widnes appearing in the 1993 Challenge Cup Final for them....
circa-2002 - Ryan McDonaldRyan McDonald (rugby league)Ryan McDonald born in Cumbria, England is a rugby league player for Whitehaven in National League One. He plays as a prop. He has previously played for the Widnes Vikings in the European Super League and has had spells at Leeds, Dewsbury, Halifax and the York City Knights.-External links:**...
circa-2002 - Gary Middlehurst http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Gary_Middlehurst.html circa-2004
- Shane MillardShane MillardShane Millard is an Australian retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s.During his career he played for Super League sides London Broncos, Widnes Vikings, Leeds Rhinos & Wigan Warriors as well as gaining recognition in the NRL with Sydney Roosters, Souths and St George...
circa-2003 - David Mills circa-2002
- Aaron MouleAaron MouleAaron Moule is a former professional rugby league player for the Salford City Reds in Super League. Moule previously played for the South Queensland Crushers and Melbourne Storm in the Australian National Rugby League and Widnes Vikings in Super League...
circa-2004 - Damian MunroDamian MunroDamian Munro is a professional rugby league footballer who at representative level has played for Ireland, and at club level for Halifax, and Widnes Vikings, playing at , i.e. numner 2 or 5.-International honours:...
http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Damian_Munro.html circa-2002 - Justin MurphyJustin Murphy (rugby league)-Playing career:Murphy joined the Catalans Dragons club at the end of 2004 when the club was in the national French competition. He quickly established himself as one of the better players, topping the try scoring charts and helping the club become the first French team to go through a season...
circa-2004 - Stephen MylerStephen MylerStephen Myler is an English rugby union player who plays at Fly-half for Northampton Saints in the Aviva Premiership.-Rugby league career:...
circa-2003 - Stephen NashStephen Nash (rugby league)Stephen Nash is a rugby league player for the Salford City Reds in National League One. He plays as a . He has previously played for the Widnes Vikings in the European Super League.-External links:**...
circa-2005 - Terrence "Terry" O'ConnorTerry O'Connor (rugby league)Terry O'Connor is an English former rugby league footballer. His position was , or .-Career:A native of Widnes, O'Connor was picked up from local Widnes side St Maries after also playing for Widnes Tigers. He was a former barla international and toured NZ with them in 1991...
circa-2005 - Julian O'NeillJulian O'NeillO'Neill then played at fullback in all three games of the 1994 State of Origin series under coach Wally Lewis. During the 1994 NSWRL season, O'Neill played at lock forward for defending premiers Brisbane when they hosted British champions Wigan for the 1994 World Club Challenge. In 1994 and 1995...
circa-2003 - Julian O'NeillJulian O'Neill (New Zealand)Julian O'Neill is a former professional rugby league footballer who spent most of his career playing in Super League...
circa-2002 - Christopher "Chris" Percival http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Chris_Percival.html circa-2002
- Willie PetersWillie PetersWillie Peters is a halfback who played for South Sydney Rabbitohs i. He has also played for the St George Illawarra Dragons as well as in England for the Widnes Vikings, where he was unable to save them from relegation in 2005. Because of his Greek background, he is eligible to represent the...
circa-2004 - Daniel "Dan" Potter http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Dan_Potter.html circa-2002
- Robert RelfRobert Relf (rugby league)Robert Relf grew up in a small town called Gloucester, New South Wales. He played local football and then was offered to play for the Bulldogs for 10 years. He played at second-row forward for the Canterbury Bulldogs in their loss at the 1998 NRL grand final to the Brisbane Broncos...
http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Robert_Relf.html circa-2002 - Sean RichardsonSean RichardsonSean Richardson is a professional rugby league footballer who at club has level played for Blackbrook, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Widnes Vikings, Leigh Centurions, and Batley Bulldogs playing at , or /, i.e...
circa-2002 - John Robinson http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/John_Robinson.html circa-2003
- Stephen Rowlands http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Stephen_Rowlands.html circa-2004
- Nicholas "Nicky" Royle http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Nicky_Royle.html circa-2004
- Ryan SheridanRyan SheridanRyan Sheridan is a former rugby league player.Sheridan was an Ireland international and played at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.Leeds Career :Ryan Sheridan was one of the most influential players in the late 1990s for the Rhinos...
circa-2003 - Mark SmithMark Smith (rugby league)Mark Smith, is an English professional rugby league footballer who has just been signed by Swinton after captaining Widnes in National League One. Primarily a hooker, he previously played in Super League for the Wigan, with whom he won the 2002 Challenge Cup.Smith has been captain of the Widnes...
circa-2005 - Stuart SpruceStuart SpruceStuart Spruce was a for Widnes/Widnes Vikings, and from 1996 to 2001 the Bradford Bulls.-Widnes:Stuart Spruce made his debut for Widnes during the 1989-90 season, under coach Doug Laughton. When regular fullback Alan Tait quit for Leeds, Spruce became the permanent fullback.-Bradford Bulls:Spruce...
circa-2002 - John StankevitchJohn StankevitchJohn Stankevitch is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 2000s. He played for St Helens and Widnes in the European Super League as a and as a . Since retiring through a serious shoulder and neck injury, he has had two stints at Widnes as assistant and a head coach role at Doncaster...
circa-2005 - Troy StoneTroy StoneTroy Stone is a Australian rugby league player who played professionally in England and Australia.-Playing career:...
http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Troy_Stone.html circa-2002 - Gray VianeGray Viane-Playing career:Viane played junior rugby league for Minto Cobras and attended Sarah Redfern High . He was selected to represent the Australian schoolboys rugby union team....
circa-2005 - Brad WattsBrad WattsBrad Watts is a retired Australian professional rugby league footballer who competed in the National Rugby League. He played for the Melbourne Storm from 1999 to 2001, then for the South Sydney Rabbitohs from 2002 to 2005. Watts also played with the Widnes Vikings club in the then European Super...
http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Brad_Watts.html circa-2005 - Craig WestonCraig WestonCraig Weston is a former Australian rugby league player, who plied his trade for the Gold Coast Seagulls in 29 games plus 2 as a replacement with 6 tries, 20 goals , Eastern Suburbs Roosters 8 games, 15 goals and the South Queensland Crushers 13 games plus 1 as a replacement 6 tries 1 goal...
http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Craig_Weston.html circa-2002 - Matthew Whitaker http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Matthew_Whitaker.html circa-2004
- Jon WhittleJon WhittleJon Whittle is a professional rugby union and rugby league footballer who at club level has played rugby union , for Orrell R.U.F.C., and at club level has played rugby league , for Wigan Warriors, Widnes Vikings, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, and Featherstone Rovers, playing at , or , i.e. number 2...
circa-2005 - Philip "Phil" Wood http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Phil_Wood.html circa-2004
- Darren Woods http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Darren_Woods.html circa-2005
- Troy WozniakTroy WozniakTroy Wozniak is a former professional rugby league player in the Australian National Rugby League competition. He played for the Balmain Tigers, Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers as well as Widnes Vikings in the UK Super League...
circa-2004
Hall of Fame
The Widnes Hall of Fame was instituted in 1992 with thirteen members. Any former Widnes player who was retired from playing was eligible. The thirteen players who make up the current Hall of Fame are:- Mick AdamsMick AdamsMichael "Mick" Adams is a former rugby league player for the Widnes, Canterbury Bulldogs and for the Great Britain national side. He was also one of the original thirteen former Widnes players inducted into The Widnes Hall of Fame in 1992....
- Mick BurkeMick BurkeMichael "Mick" Burke is an English former rugby league footballer of the 1970s and 80s. He represented both England and Great Britain whilst playing club football for Widnes....
- Keith ElwellKeith ElwellKeith Elwell is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Widnes, playing at , i.e...
- Fred HigginsFred HigginsFred Higgins is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1940s and '50s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Widnes, playing at , i.e...
- James "Jimmy" HoeyJames Hoey (rugby league)James "Jimmy" Hoey was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1930s who at representative level played for England, and at club level for Widnes.-International honours:...
- Arthur 'Chick' Johnson
- Vince KaraliusVince KaraliusVincent Peter Patrick Karalius was an English professional Rugby League World Cup winning and coach who forged a fearsome reputation both as a strong runner of the ball, and as a devastating tackler.-Club career:...
- Doug LaughtonDoug LaughtonC. Doug Laughton is an English former rugby league footballer and coach. He played club football as a , or / for St. Helens, Wigan, Widnes and Canterbury Bulldogs...
- Tommy McCueTommy McCueTommy McCue was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1930s and '40s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Widnes, playing at /, i.e...
- Harry MillingtonHarry MillingtonHarry Millington is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1920s, '30s and '40s who at representative level has played for England, and at club level for Widnes.-International honours:...
- 'Big' Jim Mills
- Frank MylerFrank MylerFrank Myler was an English professional Rugby League World Cup winning footballer. He played , or / for Widnes and St. Helens, and also captained the Great Britain national team.Myler also coached Rochdale from May, 1971 to October 1974....
- Nat Silcock, Snr.Nat Silcock, Snr.Nat Silcock was a Rugby League player, best known as Captain of Widnes and as a member of the England team.Nat, who lost count of the number of appearances he made for Lancashire, was one of the few forwards to go on two tours down under while on the Naughton Park staff.He toured in 1932 and 1936...
There have been occasional suggestions that the Hall of Fame might be expanded but so far the club has not taken this step. Some years ago the club organised a poll, via the local press, with a view to adding three more players but the response from the public was very poor and the highest polling players (Anthony "Tony" Myler
Tony Myler
Tony Myler is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s. A Great Britain international representative stand-off half back, he played club football in England for Widnes, with whom he won the Rugby League Premiership in 1983, as well as a stint in Australia with the...
, Kurt Sorensen
Kurt Sorensen
Kurt John Sorensen is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer of the 1970s, 80s and 90s. He is the brother of fellow Kiwi international, Dane Sorensen, and the nephew of another pair of Kiwi brothers, Bill and Dave Sorensen...
and Stuart Wright
Stuart Wright
Stuart Wright is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s, 70s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Wigan, and Widnes, playing at , i.e...
) were not formally inducted. In more recent times, calls to make Gavin Dodd
Gavin Dodd
Gavin Dodd is an English rugby league player.Dodd plays for Swinton in National League One. He also plays for Ireland.Dodd's position of choice is as a winger or at full-back, but he can also operate as a centre.Gavin Dodd is also a useful goal-kicker....
an honourary inductee to the Hall of Fame have been muted.
Notable supporters
- The following supporters have at some stage acknowledged Widnes RLFC, and can be seen as a supporter to a variable degree
- Vin DieselVin DieselVin Diesel is an American actor, writer, director and producer. He became known in the early 2000s, appearing in several successful Hollywood films, including The Fast and the Furious and xXx...
- Robin Reid
- Andrew MarrAndrew MarrAndrew William Stevenson Marr is a Scottish journalist and political commentator. He edited The Independent for two years until May 1998, and was political editor of BBC News from 2000 until 2005....
- Andrew MulliganAndrew MulliganAndrew Mulligan is a New Zealand television presenter. He co-hosts on Sky Television's PRIME TV channel at 6:30pm weekdays, The Crowd Goes Wild, with former New Zealand test cricketer Mark Richardson...
- Ricky HattonRicky HattonRichard John Hatton MBE, more commonly known as Ricky "the Hitman" Hatton, , is a former British professional boxer, and currently a promoter....
- Chris Goggin