Lyon to start, Widnes wait for
Guttenbeil nod

Widnes are hoping New Zealand A international Karl Guttenbeil will be cleared in time for Thursday's pre-season friendly against St Helens.

Vikings coach Frank Endacott has included all 11 close-season signings and stand-off Gary Hulse and hooker Mark Smith will be making their debuts.

For St Helens, former Australian Test star Jamie Lyon will make his bow.

The 22-year-old centre was signed from Parramatta midway through last year on a two-year contract.

Saints coach Ian Millward has picked a strong team for the game, naming Lions trio Paul Wellens, Paul Sculthorpe and Sean Long in his squad.

But injuries mean Millward is without Lee Gilmour, Keiron Cunningham, Jason Hooper, Willie Talau and Ricky Bibey.

Guttenbeil, 22, has joined the Vikings for trials but his clearance has been held up by problems caused by the Asian Tsunami.

Gary Connolly, Terry O'Connor, Mick Cassidy, Jon Whittle, John Stankevitch, Misili Manu, Owen Craigie and Andrew Emelio will be making their first appearances at the Halton Stadium.

Widnes: To be finalised.

St Helens: Wellens, Gardner, Lyon, Viane, Albert, Sculthorpe, Long, Anderson, Higham, Mason, Bennett, Graham, Wilkin. Substitutes: Fozzard, Edmondson, Feaunati, Hardman, Roby, Smith, Fa'asavalu, Moore