WIDNES Vikings are gearing up for their pre-season friendly against Whitehaven.

The friendly will be played on Sunday, November 19 at the Auto Quest stadium at 1.30pm.

The match which was arranged before the fixture lists came out, will coincidentally be a preview of the first game of the competitive season which kicks off on December 3.

The match will give expectant Vikings fans the opportunity to see their new look team in action before their push for Super League in the coming season.

The squad on show will most likely include about 22 players including new signings Karle Hammond, Stephen Holgate, Scott Martin, Chris McKinney, Stuart Rhodes, Jason Demetriou, Phil Coussons and Ian Watson, depending on Wales' progress in the Lincoln World Cup.

The new faces will line up together with Widnes' more established team members for the first time in front of the Viking's fans.

Paul Cullen the new Whitehaven boss will be out to impress in his new position. This coupled with the fact that he is a Warrington old boy means the clash is sure to be exciting.

At the friendly match, fans can pick up their free copy of the Viking Flagship newspaper which includes exclusive interviews from players and the chairman.

Meanwhile, season tickets are still selling incredibly well. The discounted price offer is now finished but tickets are still a good buy with season tickets in the South stand costing £130 and North stand only £105.