Haven coach Carl Forster admits his side might not be ready to take on Widnes Vikings next Friday but the Super League club’s offer was too good to turn down.

Forster will take his squad to the Halton Stadium for an 8pm kick off on January 12 – nine days before their pre-season campaign had been set to get started against Swinton.

When Widnes approaching the club about an extra pre-season game, Forster couldn’t resist the chance to test his players against top talent.

He said: “They approached us and asked if we were interested. It’s obviously a good opportunity for us to get the experience of going there. I thought it would benefit our players.”

Forster had initially hoped to arrange four warm-up matches but had accepted his team would only play three, against Swinton, Barrow and Workington.

“We had settled for three games,” he said. “If I’m honest we’re not ready for a game yet with Dion [Aiye] not in the country and Callum [Phillips] on an extended break due to his international games.

“Everyone is going to play, we haven’t got a big squad, maybe 18 or 19.

“I’ll probably start with my most experienced team to soak up the first 20 minutes and then see if we can hang in there and get a result.”

However, Forster is “undecided” on whether to hand a Haven debut to 16-year-old Jake Bradley, who has been on trial with the club from Hensingham.

He said: “I’m not sure whether or not it’s too early for him. I’m going to talk to him about it this week.”

Widnes are set to pick some of their top names for the tie, with Sam Wilde, who has joined from Warrington, former Catalan centre Krisnan Inu and Papua New Guinea internationals Kato Ottio and Wellington Albert all playing some part in the game.

Forster said: “I think they will treat it like any game, they’ll probably start strong and then maybe bring on some younger lads. They’ll give us the respect we deserve.

“Their top players will still need to get minutes under their belt. We’re not fussed who they play.”

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.