Whitehaven will be up against some top names when they kick off their pre-season programme at Widnes Vikings.

The Super League team will be set to include their new signings so the west Cumbrians will face a strong home line-up.

The game at the Halton Stadium has been arranged for Friday, January 12 (8pm).

Sam Wilde, who has joined from Warringon, former Catalan centre Krisnan Inu and Papua New Guinea internationals Kato Ottio and Wellington Albert will all take some part in the game.

Inu is among those who will be having his first run-out in front of the Vikings supporters.

He was signed from Catalans Dragons on a two-year deal. He had joined Catalans midway through the 2015 season after a spell in rugby union with Stade Francais and went on to score 14 tries in 46 Super League appearances.

He was not involved when Widnes beat Warrington 26-22 in their first friendly on December 29.

Announcing the game, the Widnes official website said: “The friendly will give Vikings members and supporters the opportunity to see both established first team stars and a number of Vikings debutants take to the field.

“With advance tickets priced at just £10 for adults, £8 for concessions and £5 for juniors, the game offers unrivalled value for supporters to enjoy the pre-season action. Executive seating will also be available at just £20, including a free meal.

“A number of new faces are set to make their debuts as Super League 23 edges ever closer.”

Widnes plan to open both the South Stand and Pat Price Stand at the Halton Stadium, but a decision on this will only be made based on pre-sale figures.

The club will confirm the opening of the Pat Price Stand (North Stand) if a minimum of 500 pre-sale tickets are sold for it by Tuesday, January 9.

Following this deadline, ticket prices will increase to £15 for adults, £12 for concessions and £8 for juniors, with these prices maintained on matchday.

The Vikings say there is a significant cost for opening both stands, but it is the club’s objective to ensure that supporters can sit in their preferred area of the Halton Stadium.