VIKINGS BOX CLEVER FOR CHRISTMAS SHOWDOWN (From Warrington Guardian)

VIKINGS BOX CLEVER FOR CHRISTMAS SHOWDOWN

THE gloves will be off on Boxing Day for the Vikings' Gary Hulse as he bids to impress his new boss and depress his old teammates.

A fiery derby clash will have added spice if the former Wolves scrum-half is given the nod over fellow Widnesian and rival half-back Stephen Myler by Frank Endacott.

"I can't wait for Warrington on Boxing Day," the livewire 23-year-old said. "The set up here is really impressive and we've got a good nucleus of talent. We should do well next season."

Who to play at scrumhalf will be a welcome dilemma for Endacott who arrives this week to find healthy competition for places in his new squad.

Strength and conditioning coach Mark Knight has been impressed by the speed and footwork of the backs and by the power of the forwards in recent boxing sessions designed to break up the gruelling monotony of pre-season training.

He said: "The boxing is good for their hand-eye coordination, their footwork and stamina. You can tell some of them have boxed before.

"There's a really good work ethic at the club and it's a good mix of youth and experience. Some of the senior players have come in and really raised the standard in training and the others have followed," he added.

"We've got competition for places and some healthy rivalry going on which is nice to see. It should be a good season."

Star standoff Owen Craigie is also looking forward to the Christmas clash and is putting in 6.30am starts at the gym before the morning's squad training to get fit for selection.

The former Souths playmaker, said: "The training has been really good and it's a good bunch of guys here. I'm working hard in training and I'm looking forward to showing what I can do."