Vikings assistant coach Brett Hodgson is expecting a tough and physical contest against Halifax on Sunday.
The two sides met in a close encounter in the Super 8s Qualifiers last season, with Widnes running out 14-0 winners.
Hodgson said: “It’ll be a real tough test for us. We’ve spoke to Richard Marshall and they’re progressing very well in pre-season and they’re striving to get that Super League berth.
“We’re expecting a very physical game and we’ll be up for that. Hopefully the skill elements we’ve been working on in the off-season will be on show. It’s going to be a good contest.
“We’ll put a strong side out this week, there’s no doubt about that, we need to progress and get some game fitness ahead of Wakefield.
“We’ll probably carry a few reserves as well, but ideally give our first team starters a good run out this weekend.”
Although Charly Runciman and Alex Gerrard are to sit out this weekend through injury, both are likely to be fit by the start of the season, according to Hodgson.
Hodgson also praised the versatility that new signings Corey Thompson, Setaimata Sa and Chris Bridge have brought to the club.
He added: “They bring character. They’ve all been at the top level. Corey has played in an NRL Grand Final, Sa has been around the top for a long time, and Bridgey has played in Challenge Cup and Grand Finals. The people who have come in have been there, been tested and come out on top.
“It means we can put a 17 out at any time. We’ve got Chris Bridge that can play six if Kev (Brown) goes down, got Corey who can play full back if Rhys (Hanbury) goes down. We’ve got that versatility now we’ve not had in the past and we can rely on that more this year.”
The North and South Stands will be open for this fixture. Halifax supporters have been allocated blocks A and B in the South Stand.
Tickets are on sale at the Vikings Superstore, located within Tesco Extra Widnes, or by calling the ticket line on 0151 495 2250.
2016 Viking Stronghold Member Price
Adult £10
Concession £8
Junior £3
General & Match Day Ticket Price
Adult £14
Concession £11
Junior £6
Executive seating will be available in the Gold and Silver area on a first come first served basis and will include a complimentary carvery meal.
Executive seating prices are as follows:
Exec Seating – 2016 Viking Stronghold Member Price
Adult £20
Concession £15
Junior £10
Exec Seating – General Ticket Price
Adult £25
Conc £20
Junior £15
