Widnes Rugby Chat - Widnes Vikings Rugby League Podcast

James and Mike return to review the final game of Widnes' 2026 season, which ended in heartbreakingly dramatic fashion against Oldham in golden point extra time.

They reflect on the whole campaign and whether it has been a positive one.

There is also talk on the departing players and where that leaves the squad and Widnes' hopes for 2027.

James and Mike return after a busy week for Widnes, that saw the league game at Sheffield and the 1895 Cup final defeat to London.

Both of those games are discussed in depth, and we look ahead to the Championship play-offs and explain its peculiar format as Widnes look ahead to play Oldham.

James and Mike are joined by social media sensation Up The Chemics, also known as Rob, to pore over Widnes' tense win away at Halifax which came at a significant cost.

With just two weeks to go until the 1895 Cup final, we ponder just how Allan Coleman is going to put a team together for two league games prior to the meeting with London, and if Widnes have any chance of causing an upset on the day.

James Gordon sits down with ex-Vikings director Andrew Horabin for an update on the current situation following his well-publicised departure from the club and subsequent attempts to re-join the board.

He talks about his frustrations from his time within the club and what caused him to resign, and also the offers of investment he has made and had rejected in the period since.

James Gordon and Mike Parsons are back after a five-month hiatus for Widnes Rugby Chat to reflect on 2026 so far.

The recent game against London is covered, as well as looking ahead to the 1895 Cup final and the associated scheduling headaches.

There's reference to the playing squad and possible recruitment for next season, and how off-field changes may impact the short and long term.

James and Mike are back to discuss Widnes’ run of four consecutive league wins that has them up to second in the Championship.

Hear from Allan Coleman after the most recent win over Goole Vikings.

And we discuss the current squad situation, with players out on loan and some left out of the team, and what that could mean for the rest of the season.

James and Mike return to discuss the Challenge Cup game against Leeds and the attendance in the north stand, and what that might mean for moving forward.

Allan Coleman gives his immediate reaction to another brave showing by his Vikings side against Super League opposition.

We talk about the concerning news from Halifax and what impact that may have on the future, as well as look ahead to the trip to Workington.

Could 2026 turn in to a pivotal year for Widnes on and off the pitch, in the context of the RFL's 144-point recommendation for the game and talk of a 16-team Super League?

It started in a positive fashion with a crowd of more than 4,000 in attendance as the Vikings beat North Wales Crusaders in the home opener, and we hear from coach Allan Coleman in the immediate aftermath of that victory, that did come at a cost.

We look ahead to the Challenge Cup tie against Leeds, after they left out some of their big-hitters from the 21-man squad.

And then we break down some of the more relevant points out of the 144 released by the RFL following a 'club-led strategic review'.

James and Mike review the opening day defeat to London Broncos, while we also hear Allan Coleman’s thoughts post-match after what he called a game of two halves.

We also question whether it’s too early for some of the negativity that’s flying around and discuss Jordan Abdull, following the article where he opened up about his mental health issues.

There’s the usual run down of the week’s news and talking points, including the value of another player going out on loan, the chase for a new full-back and a look ahead to the Challenge Cup trip to Thatto Heath.

It’s the first Widnes Rugby Chat podcast of 2026 as we head in to the opening weekend of the season, where the Vikings will kick-off the Championship campaign with a tough trip to pre-season favourites London Broncos.

James and Mike review the Warrington friendly and discuss the unsavoury fan incidents that marred the game, according to some in the press.

There’s news of what’s going to happen with the fixtures following the demise of Featherstone and discussion over Toby Hughes’ loan move to Salford.

We talk about the untimely departure of Jake Maizen and just what Widnes should do at full-back now.

And James speaks to Allan Coleman at the Championship Season Launch to get his thoughts on the Challenge Cup draw, the 1895 Cup situation and the trip to London.