QUESTIONS have been asked in some quarters as to whether Widnes should even try to beat Wolves tonight, Thursday.

Denis Betts’ side sit 11th in Super League with no chance of catching Catalans above them, but defeat tonight would open the door for bottom side Leigh to overtake them.

That would require the Centurions to pull off an unlikely win over high-flying Salford, but some Vikings fans may think finishing 12th could be preferable.

If Toulouse can sneak into the Championship’s top four in this weekend’s final round of fixtures, the 11th-placed Super League side look set for two trips to France in the Middle 8s, something no side wants in the summer heat.

Betts has left out playmaker Rangi Chase and second rower Chris Houston for the short trip, but the threats of Joe Mellor, Matt Whitley and Corey Thompson are well-known.

However, the presence of 17-year-old Danny Walker in the Vikings squad will bring back memories.

Warrington-born and a former Crosfields and Rylands junior, Walker sparkled against Wolves in the Challenge Cup sixth round tie in May.

Vikings assistant coach Brett Hodgson, a Lance Todd Trophy winner during his successful three years with The Wire, also announced this week that he is returning to Australia in the winter to take up a coaching role with Wests Tigers.

Vikings squad: Tom Armstrong, Keanan Brand, Jack Buchanan, Greg Burke, Hep Cahill, Ed Chamberlain, Jay Chapelhow, Gil Dudson, Alex Gerrard, Jordan Johnstone, Manae Manuokafoa, Stefan Marsh, Joe Mellor, Tom Olbison, Charly Runciman, Corey Thompson, Brad Walker, Danny Walker, Matt Whitley.