Widnes Vikings captain Jon Clarke is looking forward to a tough trip to The Shay to face Halifax in the Tetley’s Challenge Cup fourth round on Sunday April 6 (2.00pm).

Clarke’s side have enjoyed a successful start to the season but the hooker is wary of the threat posed by Halifax – a club he believes is one of the stronger outfits outside Super League.

“It is a very tough draw,” said Clarke. “Obviously with the league structure changing over the next couple of years, Halifax will have their sights set on trying to venture up to the top league, so I’m envisaging a really tough contest.

“But we are looking forward to it, I can’t wait to go over there and get the Challenge Cup campaign under way. It is a good ground to play on, I’ve played there numerous times throughout my career.

“We have got no problem going there. Hopefully we will take a lot of fans over with us, the Halifax fans will turn out in their droves and we can get a really full ground and a good atmosphere for the Challenge Cup.”

Clarke believes that his side can translate their good league form into the Cup, which, as a side with a strong Challenge Cup heritage, the Vikings captain is keen to see.

“We have looked at the Challenge Cup and we want to have a really good go at it and see how far we can progress,” said Clarke.

“The Super League fixtures that we have played up until now will definitely give us confidence going into the Cup.

“The good thing about the Challenge Cup is that your league form can be a bit indifferent but if you can peak that week for your tie you can end up progressing, which is what can make it so exciting.

“It has been a long time for Widnes fans so it would be great to get a good run at the Cup. Once you get to the quarters it starts to get really exciting and you want to go all the way.

“There is a great history of the Challenge Cup within the club so we are well aware of that, though our first and foremost thoughts are on a very tough draw away at Halifax.”

Tickets for the Halifax v Widnes Vikings Tetley’s Challenge Cup tie at The Shay, Halifax on Sunday March 6 (2.00pm) can be purchased from as little as £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and £5 for children.