Ted and Jay Chapelhow will get the chance to stake their claim for a first team place in the Super League opener against Wakefield when the Vikings travel to Newcastle on Saturday.
The twins, aged 20, will lead the pack as Widnes return to the North East to face League 1 side Newcastle Thunder at Kingston Park (3pm kick-off).
It will provide another chance for a number of the Club’s exciting youngsters to impress Denis Betts and Brett Hodgson as the start of the 2016 season moves closer.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Hodgson said: “It’s going to be exciting. We are yet to finalise the squad, but what is guaranteed is that it will be a young team probably led by the Chapelhow boys. They will probably both start and lead up the middle of the pack for us.
“They’ve been training well. There are no plans at the moment to send them out on loan or on dual registration. As long as they keep pushing and showing us and the rest of the coaching staff that they can perform at Super League level, they’ll be amongst our squad.
“It’s quite a trek up there so it’s a good experience for those kids to get out there and see what they can do against an open age team.
“All the youngsters have been doing the same pre-season work as Kevin Brown, Joe Mellor and Setaimata Sa are dong as well, so they know our structures and it’s important to see how they go under pressure as well.
“It’s going to be a good game and a good challenge.”
Jay Chapelhow made his full first-team debut at the end of last season, featuring in the Super 8s game at home to Leigh.
Both brothers turned out in the Festive Derby defeat against Warrington.
The Vikings match against Newcastle is FREE for all 2016 Viking Stronghold Members.
Newcastle Thunder v Widnes Vikings, Saturday January 9 (3pm)
A FREE Members ticket must be obtained in advance of the fixture from the Vikings Superstore, located within Tesco Extra Widnes, or by calling the ticket line on 0151 495 2250.
General ticket prices for the match are as follows:
Adult £10
Concession £7
Junior £5
