BUOYED by their first point of the Super League season, Vikings welcome high-flying Castleford Tigers on Sunday.

And after watching the visitors rattle 66 points past Leeds last week, Widnes know that they are up against the most potent attacking side in the competition.

But is a challenge Vikings boss Denis Betts says his players are relishing following some keenly fought games in recent years.

Betts said: “The exciting part is the players are all looking forward to this game because of how well Castleford are playing.

“Cas have lived up to their billing and a few of their players said before the year that they wanted to be the entertainers.

“Daryl (Powell) has made it clear this is how they want to play and they are pretty sharp at the moment and everything they touch turns to gold.

“They have a fantastic back three which is very pacy which will hurt you if don’t remain focused.

“They can turn any form of transition into points.”

Betts was impressed with England half Luke Gale’s development and competitive spirit but singled out ex-Viking loanee Paul McShane as one of the best nines in the competition.

The iPitch, if anything will suit the visitors Luke Gale is carrying on the form he showed last. He is controlling the games and there is a real competitor in him.

But the player who has impressed me most is Paul McShane qho close to being one of best hookers in the comp Betts added: “We are playing a side that is on form.

“We have had some good tussles – the one here last year grates because we went up 18 points and lost.

“That was a tough take.”

None of the injured players - Joe Mellor, Tom Gilmore, Chris dean or Alex Gerrard - ready ready to return.

It means that Danny Craven and Chris Bridge will continue to forge their partnership in the halves.

“We have not played particularly well for a full 80 minutes yet but we are starting to build some form and you saw that against Catalans.

“The aim now is to be more consistent,” Betts said.

Sunday’s game kicks off at 3pm.