THE first competitive use of the dual-registration agreement between Warrington Wolves and neighbours Widnes Vikings arrived yesterday.

Young Wire forward Tom Whitehead was part of the Vikings 17 for their opening 1895 Cup match against Swinton Lions and came off the bench for Allan Coleman's side.

However, he could not help Widnes to victory as the hosts ran out 18-6 winners at Heywood Road, with former Wolves half-back Dec Patton among the try-scorers for Swinton.

Warrington players could periodically feature for Widnes this season as part of the new arrangement, and the Vikings got a good look at Whitehead during the pre-season friendly between the two sides last week - a game in which he scored two tries while playing at stand-off.

Warrington Guardian: Whitehead scored twice for Wire against Widnes in a friendly last weekWhitehead scored twice for Wire against Widnes in a friendly last week (Image: Mike Boden)

Before then, Whitehead had featured for the Vikings during a pre-season friendly against Whitehaven alongside Wolves teammate Lucas Green.

However, no Warrington players are expected to feature in Widnes' Challenge Cup third round clash with Doncaster on Sunday to avoid them being cup-tied for when The Wire enter the competition.