Leeds Rhinos coach reveals which player has 'a point to prove to me' in Challenge Cup tie v Widnes Vikings
Leeds Rhinos have been warned to “expect the unexpected” when they kick off their season tomorrow (Saturday) against opponents with nothing to lose.
Betfred Challenge Cup third round hosts Widnes Vikings have played three competitive games already this year, losing 44-12 at London Broncos and beating visitors North Wales Crusaders 28-14 in the Championship, either side of a 76-0 Cup victory at community club Thatto Heath Crusaders. Even without 10 senior players, Rhinos will be favourites against part-time rivals, but Arthur is expecting nothing other than a tough afternoon.
“I’ve had a fair bit of a look at them,” the Leeds boss said. “They are a big, strong and powerful forward pack and the half, Jordan Abdull, has a good kicking game. He chances his hand and they play plenty of footy, they will throw plenty at us.
“What have they got to lose? We are going to have to be on our game defensively and really be expecting the unexpected. It will be a good challenge for us. We’ve done a lot of work in training around our decision-making at big moments so this is a good practice run.”
The tie comes six days before Rhinos begin their Betfred Super League campaign away to Leigh Leopards in a clash of last year’s third- and fourth-placed finishers. “It’s good because a lot of guys will get good game time,” Arthur added of tomorrow.
“Because we’ve got 10 blokes missing, it gives other blokes - who might not have got it - an opportunity to put their best foot forward. A guy like Tom Nicholson-Watton, he has been training really well and has done pretty good in his minutes through the trials. He has trained well this week so he has got a point to prove to me. I’d like to think we are going to go with plenty of hunger and plenty of energy on Saturday.”