VIKINGS skipper Jon Clarke is treating every game like his last now — but he will have plenty of motivation to make sure that his swansong will not come on Saturday.

Clarke, who retires at the end of the season, faces his former club Warrington in Vikings’ first ever play-off game.

As the game is between the teams in fifth and eighth places it means the loser is eliminated.

Although Wolves will start as overwhelming favourites, Widnes won the last encounter between the sides and recorded a win at Halliwell Jones last season.

Clarke said: “We have got a big challenge ahead of ourselves on Saturday and one we can’t wait for.

“Staff, players and fans need no motivation to play your local rivals.

“Saturday will be about keeping a lid on our motivation, enthusiasm and determination, rather than trying to find it.”

The play-off series is another high benchmark for the Vikings, and they will be seeking to do justice to themselves after freezing a touch in the Challenge Cup semi-final.

Clarke was looking forward to the encounter at Warrington, which kicks off at 2.45pm.

“It is new territory for us, but it is exciting territory as well. It is also difficult territory to go to Warrington and play our first game.

“But hopefully it is something we will lap up and relish,” he said.

“It is a big achievement from everyone involved at the club to get in the play-off position and be in the eight.

“It has been an incredibly successful season in the main, and we have reached plenty of benchmarks beating teams we have not beaten before and reaching the Challenge Cup semi-final. We have shown a bit of resilience in the way we played after that.

“For the season to culminate by reaching the top eight is pretty special,” he added.