TOM Armstrong wants Widnes Vikings to use Sunday’s game against Halifax to fine tune parts of their game as the 2017 Betfred Super League season gets ever closer.

Armstrong is one of two new signings at the Club, alongside Tom Olbison, in the off-season after joining from Leigh Centurions on a two-year deal.

The 27-year old has said that despite coming in as a new face to the squad, he has now settled in really well with the rest of his team mates.

“It's been a good transition,” he said.

“There was a bit of banter with everyone but after the WAKTU training camp, it really pushed us all physically and mentally, and that ended up breaking down barriers which now makes me feel like I'm one of the boys.”

Tom left a Leigh Centurions team that was flying high in the Championship in 2016 and gained promotion to Super League for 2017. Tom says that despite his success at the Centurions, there was many of reasons why he wanted to join the Club.

“It was the history that Widnes has, as well as the style of play on the field,” he said.

“When I met with Denis and the coaching staff, and I was excited by their their vision for me at the Club, as well as their ambition for the team, that was the deciding factor for me and I can’t wait to get the season underway.”

Armstrong played for the first time in a Vikings jersey in the 28-18 defeat to Warrington Wolves in the Festive Derby.

Despite being on the wrong side of the scoreline last month, Tom thinks that there was parts in the game that gave the team enough encouragement moving forward.

“I wasn't expecting to get a full game so I was happy that I managed to completed 80 minutes,” he said.

“I thought it was a close game and for our first run out, especially against the Super League runners-up, it was encouraging to say the least.

“I was told to get involved as much as I could during the game and that's what I tried to do. I think I brought a lot of energy and probably should have gone over for a couple of tries, hopefully I am able to do that in future games.”

With just two pre-season fixtures left before the Vikings 2017 Betfred Super League campaign starts, Armstrong is hoping the players can use this Sunday’s game against Halifax to fine tune aspects of their performance.

“I think it's a good opportunity for us to try and get some points on the board and play some real flowing rugby,” he said.

“We know it's going to be tough and Halifax will be up for the game so we can't underestimate them and we won't.

“We will bring our ‘A-game’ on Sunday and treat it like any other fixture. Hopefully it will show the fans what to expect going into the Karalius Cup fixture at St Helens and then moving into the start of the season.”

With the new Betfred Super League season less than a month away, Armstrong believes that the Club need to have the mentality of wanting to improve to ensure they have a successful season.

“I think you need to have a mindset of finishing as high as possible or you won't get anywhere near where you want to be,” he said.

“We do have the squad here to do well next year. Also, we have the togetherness and determination as a group to really achieve in the face of adversity, so all of the players are really looking forward to the challenge in 2017.”

Tickets for the Vikings game against Halifax RLFC on Sunday are still on sale. Discounted 2017 Vikings Stronghold Members advanced price tickets are on sale until 5pm on Saturday 14th January at the Vikings Superstore, located within Tesco Extra, Widnes, or by calling the ticket line on 0151 495 2250.