WIDNES skipper Jon Clarke has warned his teammates they are going to have to be at their best to match the Huddersfield Giants this weekend.

The former Warrington hooker will lead the Vikings into battle at the Galpharm Stadium on Sunday in what will be his new club’s first away fixture back in Super League.

They opened their top-flight campaign with a 32-14 home defeat to Wakefield.

And Clarke knows a massive improvement is required this weekend if Widnes are to match a Giants side he rates very highly.

"Huddersfield’s win at Wigan was undoubtedly the shock of the opening weekend for many, but I wasn’t surprised," he said.

"They have a knack of starting the season well and when we come up against them this week, we will have our hands full.

"They have a number of fantastic players and in Nathan Brown, a terrific coach.

"The Giants are strong in the forwards and they rely on it.

"They try and dominate and know how to slow a game when they need to.

"Luke Robinson and Scott Grix will probably again have big seasons, and in Danny Brough they possess one of the best half-backs in Super League with a phenomenal kicking game. Sunday will be tough."

And those sentiments were echoed by coach Denis Betts.

"Huddersfield were fantastic against Wigan and really took the game to them," said the former Wigan and Great Britain back-row forward.

"Danny Brough, Larne Patrick and Eorl Crabtree were all outstanding.

"It was a really upbeat performance, they went out there and attacked Wigan with a lot of skill.

"They are a side that’s got a lot of consistency and that shows in the real tough games.

"We know it is not going to get any easier for us, and we’re going to have to get used top that.

"Huddersfield are a top-six side and will make it very tough for us."