Jason Robinson adds weight to Vikings Super League bid

Apr 11 2008 by Ian Cheveau, Liverpool Daily Post

FORMER England rugby union World Cup winner Jason Robinson has thrown his weight behind the Vikings’ bid for Super League in 2009.

Robinson joins some of the biggest names in rugby to pledge their support for the former World champions, who go to National Co-operative League One favourites Salford CItty Reds tonight.

Ex-Great Britain international Robinson said: “Having Vikings back in the Super League is vital. The name Widnes in rugby league circles is famous throughout the world and has produced some of the best rugby players we’ve seen.

“It’s very important that Widnes continue to do the work they have been doing in the community. Hopefully, Vikings will be way up there where they belong in the future.”

Wigan Warriors captain Sean O’Loughlin, whose father Kieron used to play for Widnes, has also spoken out in support of Vikings.

He added: “Widnes definitely deserves a place in Super League. It’s not just about their great history, which everyone knows about, it’s about the whole set-up at Widnes which is totally geared to Super League.

“The club also has a great record for developing new talent and you only have to look at the amateur set-up in and around Widnes to see that club is bound to be a great asset to Super League.”

Jason Demetriou, captain of the Wakefield Wildcats and former crowd favourite at Widnes, added: “Widnes have a great tradition and a great fan-base.”

Vikings’ chairman Steve O’Connor said: “A massive amount of time and energy is going into this and it’s very rewarding to know that our efforts are being recognised by leading players.”

HOLDERS Widnes Vikings have been drawn away to Celtic Crusaders in the quarter-finals of the Northern Rail Cup.

Full Draw: Featherstone v Salford, Batley v Oldham, Celtic Crusaders v Widnes and Rochdale v Doncaster with ties to be played from May 22 to 25.