Mellor in Saints link

Widnes Vikings half back Joe Mellor could be making the short trip to St Helens for 2019 if as expected the Chemics are relegated at the end of the middle 8 .

With 4 defeats from their 1st 4 games the Vikings need to win all their last 3 games , and hope other results go their way , if they are to make the million pound game . This seems highly unlikely and Widnes’ relegation would be confirmed with defeat to Halifax on Saturday .

Without Super League funding Widnes will need to offload their highest earners and Mellor will top the wanted list from clubs in the top flight . With Wigan reportedly targeting Salford’s man of the moment Jackson Hastings the way could be clear for St Helens and Warrington to fight it out for the talented half backs signature , with the league leaders favourites .

Mellor’s versality is likely to appeal to Saints , for all  half back is his favoured position he has been filling in at full back due to the continued absence of Rhys Hanbury . The talented back has been at Widnes since 2013 after failing to breakthrough at Wigan , he had loan spells at Widnes and London before signing a permanent contract at the Halton Stadium . The former Warrior has scored 4 tries for the Vikings this season in a side that has only won 3 of the 27 Super League and Super 8 games they have played so far .

Only a restructure of Super League for 2019 could realistically save Widnes from dropping into the Championship and Mellor will surely be one of many Vikings stars who will be headed for the exit door once the inevitable is confirmed , possibly from the bottom to top of the league . With Ben Barba headed back to the NRL Mellor could be the man to provide cover in key positions at Langtree Park as Saints look to build on a highly successful 2018 .