London and Widnes hope to provide boost to Wales

London and Widnes are determined to put on the sort of show at Aberavon on Sunday that will give fresh momentum to rugby league in Wales.

A new Welsh division of the Rugby League Conference has raised the game's profile and there is talk of a Welsh bid for Super League, so the Broncos' home game "on the road" takes on a new significance.

"People are putting in a lot of work down there and they are very excited about the progress that is being made," said the Widnes coach, Neil Kelly, who is also the Wales national coach. "I realise points are at stake, but I think there's an onus on both teams to make it a good game."

The Broncos' chief executive, Nic Cartwright, expects a crowd near the 4,000 capacity. "We are sometimes outnumbered when we take our home games on the road, but I don't think we will be this time," he said. The club will decide next week whether to pursue its interest in Liam Botham.

Hull expect 20,000 for the visit of Bradford on Sunday and may open the top deck of their main stand for the first time.