Ryan Ince will be the only Widnes player in the Whitehaven squad for Sunday’s Championship Shield trip to Sheffield.

His two Vikings’ team-mates Ed Chamberlain and Ted Chapelhow were both included in the 19-man Super League squad for last night’s clash with League leaders and Challenge Cup finalists Hull FC.

Whitehaven, bottom of the Championship, take-on Sheffield in the first of four away games which will ultimately decide their fate and whether they will be relegated.

Chapelhow has been used regularly by Haven this season and Chamberlain has had several outings until suffering an injury in the game at London.

But Whitehaven have been handed a big boost through the inclusion of Jessie Joe Parker in the 19-strong squad. The Papua New Guinea star has been out recently with a hamstring injury and has been a big miss.

Coach James Coyle rated Parker 50-50 for last week-end’s home game with Bradford, which he eventually missed, but was always hopeful that he would be ready for Sheffield.

Parker, and his fellow countryman Dion Aiye, are hugely popular at the club and in the local community where they are well-known figures.

Aiye has been playing while carrying a bruised sternum, and several team-mates have been turning out when not fully fit.

Director of rugby James Robinson said: “Jessie Joe is going to have a final fitness test but we are very hopeful of him coming through it and being able to play. His return will be a big boost for everyone.

“Dion has been carrying an injury and several of the lads have been going out week to week when, under different circumstances, they would have been given a break.

“It’s really appreciated how lads are prepared to turn out for us even with knocks.”