
Warrington Wolves were beaten by Widnes Vikings on their first run out of 2025 on Friday night. Sam Burgess named a young side for the friendly clash at the Halliwell Jones Stadium and there were plenty of positive signs but ultimately the Wolves were beaten 36-22 by the Championship outfit.
Wire’s new signings were the stars of the show with Alfie Johnson and Dan Russell marking their first appearances in primrose and blue with tries, while Oli Leyland featured in the game, too. The bragging rights went back with Widnes, though, who scored six tries on the night.
It was Widnes who got over the line first as Mike Butt dotted the ball down in the corner, but rugby sevens convert Johnson pulled things back as he rose highest to collect a high kick and touch down. New signings combined as Leyland set up Russell for Warrington’s second of the match before Rhodri Lloyd scored for the Vikings.
Jake Thewlis went over in the corner before the break to send the hosts in on a high note and they built on that at the start of the second half as Johnson scored his second. However, Widnes put their foot down in the second half and managed to score four second half tries to take the game away from the Super League outfit.
FT | Defeat in tonight’s pre-season derby. Thank you to everyone who came out to The Halliwell Jones tonight 👏 pic.twitter.com/rwdPJHhTdi
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) January 17, 2025
Butt, Joe Edge, Dan Murray and Joe Lyons all got over the line to ensure their pre-season campaign started on the right note and speaking after the game, Widnes head coach Allan Coleman was delighted.
“I’m really happy,” Coleman said. “The most important thing for us was we didn’t pick up any injuries which is vital. We’ve still got a few missing and we’ve probably got the smallest squad in the Championship.
“I just thought we were real disciplined at times and smart. You look at their starting line-up, all full-time players, some quality players there, quality kids. They’ve got strength in depth massively but really pleased with us and really pleased with how we changed people on and off the field. I think everyone got a real good amount of time.”
Warrington Wolves won’t be the only Super League side in action this weekend, with Huddersfield Giant taking on Bradford Bulls, Wigan Warriors facing Oldham, a young Salford Red Devils side going to Barrow Raiders and Castleford Tigers due to play Valencia Huracanes.
