RFL Round 1 2025 Preview

RFL MATCH PREVIEW: North Wales Crusaders vs Widnes Vikings

North Wales Crusaders host local rivals Widnes Vikings in the Championship West season opener.

North Wales Crusaders are set to get their 2025 Championship West campaign underway this Saturday at home as they take on Widnes Vikings for the second year in a row in which promises to be an entertaining affair.


This last meeting between the two sides saw North Wales defeat the Vikings 60-32 in the Crusaders final home game of the regular 2024 Championship West campaign.


The Vikings (formerly Mersey Storm & St. Helens) and Crusaders met twice in 2024 with the Crusaders managing to come from behind at half-time in the season opener to claim a 73-39 before claiming their second victory over the Vikings later in the season (Full Game Footage here). The Vikings are coming off the back of some impressive form with a 100-10 victory in York before defeating recently crowned Challenge Trophy, Castleford Tigers 38-36.


The Vikings who through their various incarnations are one of the sports most experienced teams in the sport and have been an ever presence in the sport of Wheelchair Rugby League since 2009.


The Vikings will be looking to utilise the experience of a number of their former international players, Alex Howe – former Scotland international and Dom Richards – former Ireland international.


Venue:

Wrexham University Sports Centre, Mold Road, LL11 2AW


Pre-Match:

Supporters of both teams will be able to access the venue from 12pm ahead of the scheduled 12:30pm kick-off.


Match Squads:

North Wales Crusaders

Widnes Vikings

Wyatt Jones

Sponsored by: Pride Sports Cymre

Alex Howe

Jess Booth

Sponsored by: PAR Booth

Andrew Holland

Stuart Williams

Sponsored by: Dragon Bet

Chris Haycock

Jonny Gill

Sponsored by: West Kirby School & Sixth Form

Dixie McClymont

Martin Turner

Sponsored by: Intersol Global

Dom Richards

Harry Jones

Sponsored by: Superbly Flags

Jack Shaw

Sophie Bamford

Sponsored by: Dragon Bet

Jack Woods

Jakub Wasieczko

Sponsored by: Radar PR

Lucas Muldoon

Fionn McCabe

Sponsored by: Valley View Imports

Stephen Roberts

Matthew Turner

Sponsored by: P&L Accountancy

Tony Johnson 



Will McClymont

Head Coach:

Harry Jones

Head Coaches:

Alex How & Dom Richards

Match Officials:

Kim Abel, Dave Abel