Vikings are not serial brawlers (From Warrington Guardian)

Vikings are not serial brawlers

FRANK ENDACOTT has reacted strongly to suggestions the Vikings are serial brawlers.

After the Vikings' weekend victory over Leigh, losing coach Darren Abram said Widnes had played three games so far - and had three brawls.

Vikings coach Endacott said: "I'm very surprised to hear comments like that from a Super League coach.

"If you were at the game and if you see the video, there was one team that wanted to play and one that didn't - and we wanted to play Rugby League.

"We had no trouble at the St Helens game and there was a brief scuffle against Warrington, so I don't know what Darren Abram was thinking - maybe it's a comment from a coach under pressure."

The Aussie stressed that while his squad will never take a step back, discipline is a must.

"I've made it very clear to the team that they must compete in every game," he said.

"We don't want to be easy beats. And if we give the fans our best efforts in every game, the results will look after themselves."

He praised the strength and experience the former St Helens and Wigan players have brought in

He said: "We have got a lot of inexperienced players but the older players' experience is rubbing off on them. Everyone talks about the Wigan players, but John Stankevitch has been great for us."

The team faces a tough season opener against St Helens on February 11 but Frank is confident the squad is coming along well.

And what does he predict for the coming season?

"If we knew where we would finish we wouldn't need to turn up each week," he laughed, then added: "We don't want to be in the relegation battle like last year.

"And if we improve a couple of places above, it will be a big achievement."

l NO INJURIES have been reported ahead of the St Helens game

l FRUSTRATED Karl Guttenbeil is flying to Tonga to sort out a passport delay. He hasn't been able to play so far this season because political problems in Tonga have stopped his passport being sorted out.

l THE VIKINGS are holding a social night at the Upton Tavern on Tuesday, February 15. Entry is free and the night includes a sports quiz.