WIDNES RUFC will be hoping to put out a full squad of players for their final trial game on Saturday when they face 'derby' rivals Birchfield at Heath Road.

Following that game, the club will play their first fixture of the new season against Oldham in the first round of the Lancashire Trophy on September 2.

They will have to do it, though, without powerful forward Gary Moss, who has been forced to announce his retirement from the sport after yet another badly dislocated shoulder received in the game against Sefton.

The league season will then commence on September 9 with a home game against Aspull, who pulled off a shock win against the Heath Road boys last year in the cup.

Director of Rugby Jimmy O'Neill said: "The boys have trained really well throughout the summer.

"We have signed some really useful players and the whole squad have responded well.

"Everyone is really looking forward to the first game against Aspull."