VIDEO - Widnes Vikings v Wakefield Trinity: Teamwork is best way to neutralise Chase threat '“ Craig Huby

WAKEFIELD TRINITY prop Craig Huby knows bottom-placed Widnes Vikings cannot be written off '“ especially with his old pal Rangi Chase now in their ranks.
Wakefield Trinity's Craig Huby. (Picture: Scott Merrylees)Wakefield Trinity's Craig Huby. (Picture: Scott Merrylees)
Wakefield Trinity's Craig Huby. (Picture: Scott Merrylees)

The former England stand-off is set to debut for Widnes in the opening game of Magic Weekend on Saturday afternoon after joining on loan from Castleford Tigers for the rest of the season.

Chase – who had a spell out of the sport completely last year and has openly admitted battling depression – had endured a number of off-field disciplinary problems prior to his exit.

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However, he remains one of the most dangerous players in Super League as Huby can testify having spent all six years of Chase’s first spell at Castleford alongside him, between 2009 and 2014.

Wakefield Trinity's Craig Huby. (Picture: Scott Merrylees)Wakefield Trinity's Craig Huby. (Picture: Scott Merrylees)
Wakefield Trinity's Craig Huby. (Picture: Scott Merrylees)

“You’re never really sure what Rangi’s going to do when you play with him,” he said.

“I know that from our days at Cas. He can produce real moments of magic out of nothing.

“But it’s even worse trying to work out what he’s going to do when you play against him.

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“You just have to try and work together as a team to combat him. It’s been well documented he’s been struggling off the field but as long as he’s getting what he needs that is the main thing. I hope he is. Everybody knows what a talent he is on it and hopefully he can get back to his best. Just not on Saturday!”

Rangi Chase left Castleford this week and joined Widnes on loan.Rangi Chase left Castleford this week and joined Widnes on loan.
Rangi Chase left Castleford this week and joined Widnes on loan.

Huby returns after being rested for last week’s Challenge Cup win at Dewsbury – the only fixture he has missed since Wakefield bought him from Huddersfield Giants in December.

“It was good to have the week off having played every match and done some decent minutes, too,” said the experienced front-row, who turns 31 on Sunday.

“I even managed to get off for a spa for a couple of days in Harrogate, took the kids and had a total break from rugby which was nice.

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“But I am looking forward to getting back out there now and continuing the momentum we’ve been building up at Wakefield. It’s exciting what’s happening here.”

Wakefield Trinity's Craig Huby. (Picture: Scott Merrylees)Wakefield Trinity's Craig Huby. (Picture: Scott Merrylees)
Wakefield Trinity's Craig Huby. (Picture: Scott Merrylees)

Chris Chester’s side are seeking a fourth straight win and have happy memories of Newcastle having seen Jacob Miller famously kick a 50m drop goal to beat Catalans Dragons 12 months ago.

“I am a fan of Magic,” added Huby, who returns to the squad with captain Danny Kirmond and in-form winger Ben Jones-Bishop who were also given the night off at Dewsbury. “It’s something a little bit different and it’s obviously great playing at football stadiums like Newcastle’s too.

“You get to see the other side of things and how they are treated a little with their facilities. It is a real eye-opener.

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“It will be a tough game for us, though. Even though Widnes have not been getting results they have still been playing some decent rugby and the occasion might help them as well.”

Rangi Chase left Castleford this week and joined Widnes on loan.Rangi Chase left Castleford this week and joined Widnes on loan.
Rangi Chase left Castleford this week and joined Widnes on loan.

Meanwhile, Trinity last night announced a double boost.

First, it was revealed Australian scrum-half Miller had signed a new two-year contract.

Then, news filtered through that cult hero Australian prop David Fifita, 27, had agreed new two-year deal as well.

Both players were out of contract at the end of this season and high on Chester’s list of priorities.

Securing them both, when each will have been in demand elsewhere, is a sign of Trinity’s growing stature.