WIDNES Vikings’ Strength and Conditioning Coach Jon Clarke has first hand experience of the derby games as both a player and coach.

And having played on both sides, he knows the feeling and intensity in both games.

The battle for local bragging rights matters - and means that this is about more than two points.

Clarke said: "When I was playing at Warrington I probably didn’t appreciate the rivalry between the two clubs. We didn’t play Widnes too often so the players and fans didn’t get too many chances to face each other as they had in the early days of rugby league.

"Since the re-emergence of Widnes Vikings in Super League, the excitement around the game and the intense rivalry on and off the field, has made for the derby to stand out as one of the best rugby league fixtures of the season.

"Since I have been involved with the Vikings we have managed to topple Warrington a few times in recent contests. We also ran them close in the first round play-off match last season.

"As we continue to improve each season players and fans recognise that either team could take the spoils on any given day which makes the match even more exciting!

"It would be fantastic to see a full house at the Select Security Stadium on Thursday. Warrington will bring a lot of travelling support with them to the game.

"We need to make sure we match and exceed the travelling fans passion and noise so I would encourage Vikings fans to come in numbers, make loads of noise and be part of what is definitely going to be a fantastic night of rugby league. We are all really looking forward to it!”

Tickets for the Widnes Vikings v Warrington Wolves game are on sale from widnesvikings.co.uk or from the Vikings Superstore located within Tesco Extra, Widnes by calling the ticket hotline on 0151 495 2250 (option 2).