MARTYN Ridyard is on standby for a Betfred Super League home debut against Widnes Vikings on Saturday.

But Josh Drinkwater could still feature despite suffering a game- ending knee injury in last week’s 28-24 defeat at Wakefield Trinity.

X-rays revealed no major damage and has been rated at “50-50” by head coach Neil Jukes.

However, with a busy Easter schedule coming up, Drinkwater could be given extra time to fully recover.

And Jukes wouldn’t have any qualms handing Ridyard a first start since the opening season defeat at Castleford.

“It was more on bone with his knee and everything came back fine,” said Jukes of Drinkwater’s injury. “He is just feeling some discomfort.

“But we have people who haven’t played for a few weeks who are training extremely well.

“I am more than confidant that should we need to change it then we will get a good response from the players who come in.

“It’s difficult when you are not playing and you have been part of the furniture for so long like Martyn. And having played a big part in getting us here.

“But he has been patient and waited for an opportunity. There is a chance that will come this week.

“Martyn has found it difficult but he has been brilliant about the place. He has added to what we have done each week.

“Those players are really important because they have an influence on how well you prepare and how well you don’t prepare.

“He has trained hard and been doing the extra work as well. He looks really sharp.”

Hooker Liam Hood is also available for selection for the first time since defeat at Castleford after recovering from a broken jaw.

And Jukes expects a positive response from his squad after squandering a 24-12 lead at Belle Vue.

However, video footage suggests Ben Jones-Bishop’s winning try shouldn’t have counted because the winger appeared to ground the ball before the line.

Referee Chris Campbell, who awarded the try before sending it to video referee, Ben Thaler, for confirmation, hasn’t been awarded a Super League fixture this weekend. Rob Hicks takes charge at Leigh Sports Village with the game kicking off at 4pm and not the original 6pm start.

“I won’t ever blame a referee for losing a game but some of the calls were off,” added Jukes. “it doesn’t help when we get penalties against us that are not penalties.

“However, we could have posted more points in the first half and defensively we didn’t have the same grit and attitude we had in the last few weeks.”

Widnes only have one point from their opening six games and last week lost 46-10 at home to Salford.

“This is just as important to any other game,” insisted Jukes. “It’s a local derby we have not played for a while.

“Denis (Betts) is doing it tough with having some troops down but they will get a win. We have hot to make sure it’s not against us.”

*Curtis Naughton, who has played only once-against Wigan-since joining Centurions on a season long loan, played for parent club Hull FC’s reserves last Saturday in a 28-18 win over Warrington.

It is understood the 22-year-old winger was keen to get some game time with Centurions not having a second string side.