ADE Gardner says it is only a matter of time before Saints return to winning ways.
The 29-year-old winger has been watching from the sidelines in recent weeks because of injury and suspension but has seen enough to suggest two points are just around the corner.
“We are remaining positive,” he said. “The lads are hurting as we haven’t won, but I think it is only a matter of time before we get on a decent run and start kicking on. It’s never ideal going out of the Cup but we have five free weekends between now and the end of the season. That enables us to freshen up. I’m not used to that as in the past I’ve played 32 to 33 games a year. We have to take what we can from it really, build some blocks in training and freshen up.”
He continues: “It was frustrating to be out injured and suspended and to be honest I couldn’t see why I was banned. But it is what it is and I move on.
“The concussion was hard too as you can’t do much. I’ve not had nothing even close to that sort of injury before and when I watched it back on TV I was pretty shaken up. I’m now looking for a decent run in the side.”
With Adam Swift injured it is likely Ade will return to the starting line-up.
“I’m looking forward to it,” he added. “Widnes are a good side and have quality players; we will have to be on our guard. We will hopefully have some players back too.”
Tickets for Friday’s match at Langtree Park are now on sale. You can buy from the Ticket Office at the stadium, by calling 01744 455052 or by logging on here.
Match Stat Pack:
Widnes are seeking their first Super League victory against St Helens on Friday night. St Helens have won the last 16 games between the sides, with Widnes’ last victory coming at home, 20-17 in the Stones Bitter Championship, on 4 April, 1994. Their last away win against St Helens was 20-12 in the Stones Bitter Championship on 1 April, 1991. Saints have won ten consecutive home fixtures with Widnes since then.
2013 Meeting:
Widnes 4, St Helens 16 (SLR2, 10/2/13)
Super League Summary:
St Helens won 12
Widnes won 0
Highs and Lows:
St Helens highest score: 62-0 (H, 2012) (also widest margin)
Widnes highest losing score: 23-24 (H, 2012)
Career Milestones:
Paul Wellens needs 13 points to reach 1,000 for his career. He has scored 941 points (215 tries, 40 goals, 1 field goal) for the club Helens since 1998. He has also scored points for Great Britain (18 – 4 tries, 1 goal), England (16 – 4 tries) and Lancashire (12 – 3 tries).
Ade Gardner needs three tries to reach 200 career touchdowns. His total of 197 has been scored as follows: 171 for St Helens (2002-2013), 15 for Barrow (2000-2001), 2 for Great Britain (2006-2007), 2 for England (2008) and 7 for England ‘A’ (2002-2003). He has also made three non-scoring appearances for Cumbria (2003-2004 & 2010).
