Ex-Super League star Stuart Howarth knows what to expect when league leaders Toronto Wolfpack come to town this weekend.

Howarth, who signed for Town in the close season, has played with and against some of Wolfpack's top talent and knows that anything less than a 100 per cent performance could leave them open to a mauling.

He said: "I know quite a few of them, they've got some really quality players and strength all over the pitch.

"If we turn up like we have done in the last couple of weeks we could be on the end of a heavy defeat so we're going to work on starting the game positively.

"We're beating ourselves and we've been doing it all season.

"With the league splitting in the next month or so we're trying to get some momentum to take into that top eight."

The versatile 27-year-old was not fully satisfied with either his own performance or the team's on Sunday as they came from 18-0 down to beat North Wales Crusaders, but he admitted they have to prioritise substance over style as they look to make the top eight when the league splits.

The 25-24 win, courtesy of a late drop-goal from Carl Forber, left Town sixth in the table but level on points with the three teams below them.

"It was a much-needed win," he said.

"We were made up with the re

sult, we just weren't happy with how we started because we got ourselves into a difficult situation.

"We haven't been starting games that well.

"We were really pleased to be on the right side of one of these close games and to have a bit of luck because we've had our fair share of bad luck and bad decisions this season.

"It makes the week a lot easier, coming into training.

"I'm happy with how I'm going at the minute."

The game at Derwent Park kicks off at 3pm on Sunday.