Warrington Wolves coach Jimmy Lowes questions Widnes omission

9:43am Friday 28th November 2008

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WARRINGTON Wolves head coach Jimmy Lowes feels there is a name missing from his team’s 2009 Super League fixture list – Widnes Vikings!

Super League’s new licence system, which saw an independent panel hand three-year deals to 14 clubs from 2009, was a hot topic for discussion at Wolves’ recent fans’ forum.

The panel, including Lowes, was asked if they felt heartland club Vikings should have been brought into the top flight instead of south Wales outfit Celtic Crusaders, who, along with Salford City Reds, have effectively been promoted from National League One.

But Lowes, insisting it was his personal opinion and not that of his club, felt the time was right for Wolves’ arch-rivals Widnes to have been given the green light rather than his former club Salford, where he was assistant coach.

He said: “I was dead surprised with the decision.

“I understand why they have gone down the Celtic route.

“We’ve had Challenge Cup Finals down in Cardiff and we had the Millennium Magic down there, so I can half understand that decision.

“Wales is a rugby heartland.

“We missed the boat probably just before Wales won the Six Nations when rugby union in Wales was in decline.

“We should have jumped in Wales then and rugby league would have really taken off.

“And I think it still will. I think rugby league will be good down there.

“I was very disappointed for Widnes because they’ve got a fantastic local amateur set-up, they’ve got a fantastic stadium, they’re a very well supported club and I’m also aware that Warrington versus Widnes is a big game.

“I thought Widnes were ready.

“Salford are not ready. I spent 18 months there and the amateur set-up around there is not the best.

“It’s not the best supported club and the stadium’s not the best.

“So, I thought that Widnes should have got in and I’m willing to give Celtic Crusaders a go.”