Stuart Howarth has played in his fair share of big rugby league derbies - and he is raring to throw himself headlong into another this weekend.

Workington Town's new addition has played in showdowns between some of Super League's biggest rivals including Wigan v St Helens, Castleford v Wakefield and the Hull derby.

The hooker will now be thrust into Sunday's Ike Southward Memorial Trophy clash between Workington and rivals Whitehaven at Derwent Park, ko 3pm.

"I've played in the Wigan v Saints derby, Wakefield v Cas and the Hull derby so I have quite a bit of experience in tough derbies," said Howarth.

"This will tick another off the list. I've nearly done them all.

"I haven't had much experience of the West Cumbrian derby, other than watching it on tv a few years back

"But I have heard a few stories about it already from the lads, the coaches and some fans so I am looking forward to it."

Howarth admitted that derbies were special games to play in because of the meaning behind them and the atmosphere.

"The thing that sets derbies apart from other games is the build-up, everyone knows what the derby is about. It gives the game a bit of an edge," he added.

"I wouldn't say it was more important than other league games but the bragging rights are definitely important.

"This weekend its a bit of a warm up match and a friendly but it isn't really a friendly.

"Every rugby league player will tell you there is no such thing as a friendly."

The number nine admitted that his favourite moment in a derby came at Langtree Park, home of St Helens.

He explained: "I'm a Wigan lad, born and bred but my best moment in a derby came playing against them for St Helens.

"Tommy Makinson set up a try in the last minute to win it at Langtree Park.

"That was one of the best moments of my professional career even though it was against Wigan.

"But you want to do your best for whatever club you are playing for."

And now he is ready to give his all for Workington after making his debut in the narrow loss at Huddersfield last weekend.

"Town have been brilliant, I have never dealt with a better bunch of directors," said Howarth.

"I couldn't have been treated any better up to now and I am happy to sign and give my all for Workington.

"We are slowly building ready for the start of the season and we just need to keep building."

And he is not shirking from the size of the task at Derwent Park as he added: "Promotion is always the main goal, there is no point in settling for anything less.

"Personally I want to have a good year, play well every week and try and get a good performance, then everything else speaks for itself."