Our Man at Red Hall previews Sunday's game :
SUPER League wannabes Widnes will have their new-found form tested to the hilt by the up-and-coming Rochdale in what must be the Northern Ford Premiership match of the day.
In fact it could well be a preview for a possible Grand Final clash, such is the scale on which others now hold the two clubs in the NFP.
The Vikings are turning in some very professional performances lately, non-more so than the midweek hammering of Gateshead Thunder.
"I'm not saying it because my brother Neil is the coach, but Widnes were by far the best side we have been up against this season. They were on fire from the kick-off and didn't give us a cat in hell's chance,'' said Thunder coach Andy Kelly.
Testament to which Vikings coach Neil added: "That was as good as it comes. The players know they are now playing for their teams pots.''
And with such as Martin Crompton, Paul Atcheson and Chris McKinney still to add to his squad for Sunday's clash, Kelly must feel he has the edge on a Hornets side that has taken such big scalps as Keighley,Oldham, Featherstone, Workington and Hull KR in their stride.
Coach Martin Hall, who needs to check out James Bunyan, Danny Sculthorpe and wing sensation Marlon Billy before he names his side, has done a remarkable job of bringing Rochdale into line as a team to fear.
The only problem he may have to solve is who to play at hooker in place of the injured Darren Robinson. Youngster Warren Ayres had the job in midweek, but Hall may plump for the more robust David Stephenson (pictured) or even ex-Doncaster and Keighley prop Joe Berry in the front row.