Rangi Chase believes he can help inspire a Widnes revival in Super League

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The former Man of Steel played his first game for the Vikings during their defeat to Wakefield on Magic Weekend at St James' Park and believes the club's passionate supporters will inspire him to make an impact.

He said: "When I've played away games against the Vikings in the past, I've always been impressed by the big atmosphere that the Widnes crowd creates - it's intimidating here. I'm looking forward to now having those supporters on my side, cheering on me and the team.

"It's a Bank Holiday game, so I'm hoping that the supporters come out in big numbers. It's like having an extra player on the field, when the fans are behind you. We're feeling positive that we can turn things around and overcome the challenges we're facing. Hopefully we can be roared on to success by the supporters.

"The support at Magic Weekend was awesome. I was blown away to see that so many Vikings supporters had travelled to the North East and to hear how passionate they all were.

"Playing my first game soon after my move was a big task, because I hadn't had a lot of time with the boys and was still getting to grips with some of the plays. I know that I've got a lot more to give and I'm excited to be able to show that in my home debut."

Chase accepts he's arrived at a club enduring a difficult time at the moment as they sit bottom of the Super League table but he's determined to make his mark.

He said: "I'm very pleased to have the opportunity to play here. The Vikings have unfortunately had a difficult run of injuries in the halves, which gives me an opportunity to have more game time. 

"I was lacking a bit of game time at Castleford, so when this opportunity came up I thought it was the right time for me."

"Widnes' style of play suits me and they've got a good bunch of lads here. My first couple of weeks have been awesome - I've fitted in straight away. I'm here and relishing the opportunity in front of me, and I'm feeling so positive about everything.

"I pride myself on my standards - playing and training well. I'm pretty hard on myself and I'm enthusiastic; hopefully that will rub off onto the young players. I'm hoping to put a spring into the young boys step and to help them out."

Chase's move to the Vikings has been made easier with him knowing a number of the players, who share his New Zealand and NRL connections. 

He said: "I know Hep Cahill, Aaron Heremaia and Patrick Ah Van well. I've played against Manase Manuokafoa in the different grades back in Australia, and I came through St George Illawarra with Chris Houston. That made it an easy fit for me."