Clarke to captain Widnes

The 32-year-old Clarke, one of the Vikings' 14 new signings, has been chosen by head coach Denis Betts as the club's new captain.

"There were a number of candidates who could have done the job and I've taken my time to come to a decision," Betts said. "The reason we brought Jon into the organisation was for his experience and his leadership skills and both have shone through already in pre-season."

He added: "Without taking anything away from the qualities that make him such a good person and player, I have every confidence the role will be a great progression for him."

Clarke, who has also played for Wigan and London Broncos, said: "It's a great honour to be chosen as captain of a club which has such a wealth of history behind it and I feel privileged to follow on from some of the big names that have captained this club in the past.

"It's a position I will take extremely seriously and I'll give absolutely everything I've got to the role."

Betts has named another new signing, former Wigan and Hull KR full-back Shaun Briscoe, as the club's vice-captain.