Endacott puts faith in Craigie

Former South Sydney Rabbitohs playmaker Owen Craigie is hoping to make an impression on the Widnes fans as the Vikings return to action on Boxing Day.

Half-back Craigie is one of a number of signings made by new coach Frank Endacott since the Vikings narrowly avoided relegation from Super League last season.

Endacott will now get his first chance to see his new-look side in action as the Vikings make the short journey to face long time rivals Warrington at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Craigie is anxious for the chance to make his mark and told the League Correspondent "The training has been really good, and it's a good bunch of guys here. I'm working hard in training and I'm looking forward to showing what I can do."

Another player hoping to force his way into Endacott's side is scrum-half Gary Hulse, who left Warrington for his hometown club at the end of the season.

Hulse has now joined the likes of former former Wigan trio Gary Connolly, Terry O'Connor and Mick Cassidy and John Stankevitch from St Helens at Widnes.

The 23-year-old said: "I can't wait for Warrington on Boxing Day. The set-up here is really impressive, and we've got a good nucleus of talent. We should do well next season."

Warrington are also taking the friendly seriously, with coach Paul Cullen including nine Super League regulars in his starting 13.

They include New Zealander Toa Kohe-Love, who is starting his second spell with the Wolves after stints with Bradford and Hull.

It will also be Kohe-Love's first match since undergoing a knee reconstruction earlier in the year.

There are two other games taking place on Boxing Day, with Super League champions Leeds hosting Wakefield at Headingley and newly-promoted Leigh travelling to St Helens.