Ex-Hull FC and Wakefield Trinity coach impressed by Widnes Vikings’ new signings

Ex-Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity and Bradford Bulls boss John Kear is enjoying his first pre-season with the Widnes Vikings.

As they look to return to the play-off mix, Kear believes things are going well.

“It’s going really well,” Kear said on the club’s website, “The application of the players has been first-class, and that’s all you can really measure it with.

“We feel that we’re being prudent and sensible with what we’re asking them to do, and they’re certainly applying themselves in the best possible way. I’m really pleased with where we’re at.”

He has also been impressed by the club’s staff:

“The staff have been great. We’ve worked really well together, really hard together and really smartly together.

“I do feel that we’ve benefitted from that. You can see that we have an enthusiastic group, a hard-working group and a group with a bit of a spring in their step.”

He is perhaps most impressed by the club’s new players – which of course includes former Super League Champion and former St Helens man Kyle Amor – he said:

“They’ve brought a hunger and a desire to cement a place in the team, and the more established players have noticed that as well.

“We’ve brought some smartness in as well, with some of the senior players recruited. They’ve offered an element and composure in terms of their rugby IQ.”