RFL MATCH PREVIEW: North Wales Crusaders vs Widnes Vikings

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:

Match Officials:

Kim Abel, Dave Abel