MMorgan

Published at 01:00, Wednesday, 28 June 2006

By Martin Morgan

EX-GREAT Britain star Terry O’Connor has warned against reading too much in to Widnes Vikings’ indifferent Northern Rail Cup form ahead of Sunday’s league visit of Whitehaven.

O’Connor’s home-town club, who also boast fellow former internationals Barrie McDermott and Mick Cassidy in their pack, were twice beaten by Leigh in the cup’s group stage and then again in the quarter-final.

But they have lost only twice in eight NL1 outings and lie level on points with second-placed Centurions, with a game in hand.

“Barrie Mac, Mick Cassidy and myself are here to help get Widnes back in to Super League,” he told News & Star Sport.

“Not being disrespectful, but that’s the only reason for doing another year. Hull KR are doing very well at the minute and deserve their plaudits. But it comes down to who’s playing best at the end of the year.”

The 34-year-old was top metre-maker in Super League last year, a remarkable feat considering Widnes were relegated, alongside bottom club Leigh.

“It probably took me a couple of months to get used to this division, not knowing the strengths and weaknesses of players,” he said.

“I wasn’t too happy with my form at the beginning of the year. It’s a very tough competition, though slower than Super League. That was the biggest thing to get used to. Barrie Mac was the same.

“I have also come in for a bit of sledging. I wish I had a pound for everyone who has called me an old man. I know I’m an old man but I’m still enjoying the game and I’m as fit as a fiddle.”

Whether or not he is able to steer Widnes back to the top-flight this year, the former Wigan front-rower says he will hang up his boots at the end of the season, while hoping to stay within the sport.

“I was going to retire at the end of last year and had a change of heart,” he said. “It wasn’t heroics, I wanted to stay because I’m a Widnes lad.

“If it doesn’t work out, I can walk away and say I tried.”

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk