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We are all desperate to get this opportunity and we are looking to add value to Super League
Steve O’Connor
Quotes of the week
Widnes 4/7 for Super League wooden spoon in 2012 and 12/1 to make pla-offs. Bet now
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Chairman Steve O’Connor insists Widnes won’t just be making up the number when they return to Super League next year.
The Vikings became the first club to be confirmed in the top flight for 2012 and beyond when, as expected, the Rugby Football League’s board awarded them a three-year licence on Thursday.
The announcement means Widnes, who got the nod ahead of Barrow and Halifax, will be playing in Super League for the first time since 2005.
O’Connor admitted he was “very relieved” that the process was finally over – but warned the hard work had only just begun at the Stobart Stadium.
Challenging
“I’m very, very relieved,” he told Sky Sports News HD.
“But it’s no less challenging because we have a much harder job going forward.
“This club in the Championship takes a certain number of people to manage. Going into Super League, we’re really going to have to re-double our efforts.
“We are all desperate to get this opportunity and we are looking to add value to Super League.
“We certainly don’t intend to go into Super League to make up the numbers.”
While there was delight for O’Connor at Widnes, the decision meant disappointment for Halifax chairman Michael Steele.
The Championship club still have another chance, however, as they will be considered, along with the current 14 clubs in the top tier, for one of the 13 remaining licences. A decision will be announced by the RFL on July 26
“We traded last year profitably, we won the championship, we’ve got a ground fit for purpose and we think we’re ready to have another go at Super League,” said an upbeat Steele.
“Halifax, along with Widnes, is one of the traditional rugby league clubs. Rugby league is the number one game in our part of the world and everybody thinks we ought to be at the top table.
“We’re still in the reckoning for the next allocation alongside the 14 remaining clubs with the 13 remaining places.”
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The golden ticket
Boots ‘n’ All caught up with Widnes, Halifax and Barrow ahead of the Super League licence announcement.
Crossing Jordan
Jordan Tansey told Boots ‘n’ All he will prove his critics wrong and make a fresh start at Crusaders.
Crossing the line
Jamie Bloem told Boots ‘n’ All how he is relishing his unlikely new role as a rugby league touch judge!
Vikings aim to make an impact
Chairman Steve O’Connor insists Widnes won’t just be making up the number when they return to Super League next year.
Widnes back in the big time
Widnes will return to Super League in 2012 after they were awarded a three-year licence by the Rugby Football League.
Glover keeps the faith
Andrew Glover is “quietly confident” about Wakefield’s Super League future ahead of the renewal of licences for 2012-14.
Freak injury for Wilkin
St Helens loose forward Jon Wilkin will remain on the sidelines for up to a month after suffering a freak hand injury.

View article:
Vikings aim to make an impact

