As Widnes prepare to face Barrow Raiders in Sunday evening’s Northern Rail Cup Final showdown in Blackpool, Vikings halfback James Webster admits that he has fond memories of the stadium where he lifted the trophy in 2005.

The scrum-half steered Hull Kingston Rovers to an 18-16 victory over Castleford Tigers in the first Northern Rail Cup Final staged at Bloomfield Road four years ago and is looking forward to returning to Blackpool.

Speaking to the official Northern Rail Cup matchday programme ahead of the final, which will be screened live on Sky Sports 2, Webster said: “It’s a fun place and it obviously has special memories for me.”

This year's Northern Rail Cup Final has added impetus as the eventual winners will be eligible to apply for a Super League licence in 2011 and Webster admits there is a lot on the line.

“In previous years it was a really good competition but if you didn’t win it wasn’t the end of the world. This year, I think there’s been a lot more at stake in the competition because by winning it you can apply for Super League,” he said.

The official Northern Rail Cup Final match day programme will be available at Bloomfield Road for just £4 and includes a series of articles and features on the tournament and the two finalists.

The programme can also be purchased online at www.themagazineshop.com/Group-Rugby_League.aspx

Northern Rail Cup Final

Barrow Raiders v Widnes Vikings

Sunday July 12

KO: 5.15 Live on Sky Sports 2