Clarkson recapturing confidence at Widnes

Chris Clarkson is enjoying his team on the other side of the Pennines, as he spends 2015 on loan at Widnes from Leeds.

Clarkson will return to his parent club this Friday night when the Vikings clash with the Rhinos at Headingley, but there will be no clash of loyalties.

“The loan deal will benefit me in the long run, the chance to get more gametime is key,” he told thr Rhinos’ official website.

“I can now play 70-80 minutes and that is what I need to do to improve as a player. I have had a couple of chats with Denis Betts and he has told me what he wants from me as a back rower.

“I am focused on improving myself and getting a bit of confidence back.

“I have been impressed by Widnes ever since I arrived. When I first came, it was clear that they always wanted to improve on what they had done the year before, each year they have improved, and we are wanting to that again in 2015.”

Clarkson is also expecting some big seasons from some of his team-mates at Widnes.

“It has been good for me to get to know new people and different systems,” he added.

“Someone like my house mate over at Widnes, Alex Gerrard, is not someone I knew too much about.

“He has been out with injuries for a couple spells in recent seasons but he is going really well this season and I think he will have a big year.”