VIKINGS visit champions St Helens on Friday night in buoyant mood following their thrashing of Castleford and eager to avenge their only home loss of the campaign.

Although they have yet to win on their travels this year they will not be fazed by the journey to Langtree Park to face a side who have lost four of their last five games.

Widnes welcome back Joe Mellor at scrum-half after he missed the win over Castleford due to

sickness.

But Paddy Flynn is denied a crack at his hometown team due to the continuing effects of a virus.

So it is likely that Vikings will run with the same 17 from Sunday, bar Mellor for Tom Gilmore, as they seek to avenge their only defeat on home turf this season.

Assistant coach Brett Hodgson said: “Saints are a good team with class from one to 17, even with their injuries.

“Luke Walsh is back now too and I expect him to start this week.

“They will be hurting from their performance against Leeds at the weekend but we will have to rise to that and be stronger.”

The big test for Vikings will come in the forwards, with Saints boasting one of the strongest packs in the competition.

But it is one the beefed-up Widnes six will be ready for after bringing in Gil Dudson and Manase Manuokafoa at the start of the campaign.

Hodgson said: “Saints have some huge boys and some very good players with it. Alex Walmsley is as good as any front rower I have seen over here this past couple of years and Kyle Amor is playing well, and then big Mose Masoe comes off the bench.

“They have got threat in that pack but that is why we have brought in a bit of size in this year to try to stick with some of these bigger teams. Hopefully we can do that.”

Saints expect to have Widnes-born centre Mark Percival fit again after a lengthy lay-off with a knee injury.

Meanwhile, Vikings have been handed a home draw against Batley Bulldogs in the last 16 of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup. That tie will be played on Sunday, May 17.

Widnes, who had a bye in the last round on account of their top-eight finish, are three wins away from Wembley Stadium, starting with a clash against the competition’s first ever winners.

Hodgson said: “It is not the worst draw we could have got but we will make sure we prepare well and do not take it for granted.”