Ex-Super League star Stuart Howarth says he is yet to hit his top form for Workington Town.

Howarth signed for Town in the close season and has since proved his versatility, with stints at half-back, hooker and loose-forward.

He admits he is still getting used to the pace of the game at a lower level but he hopes to hit form at Barrow on Saturday night.

“This league is completely different. It is a lot slower than Super League and a lot more physical and the rucks are a bit slower,” said Howarth.

“I’m just adapting to the league. I think my best form is still to come, hopefully on Saturday.

“It will help when the pitches are drier but I’m not making excuses.

"I am just building each week, trying to get better and try and build on what was a poor performance by myself and the rest of the lads last weekend.”

Howarth says they have to put last Saturday’s iPro Cup exit at the hands of Gloucestershire All Golds out of their minds now and look ahead to the challenge at Craven Park against League One leaders Barrow.

“We had to try and get over the shock of losing to Gloucestershire,” he added.

“But we have moved on and now we want to prepare well for Barrow and everyone is looking forward to playing some quality opposition.

“I still can’t put my finger on what went wrong last weekend but this is a competitive league and we maybe underestimated them if we are honest.

“In many ways we beat ourselves. I think it is maybe an attitude thing rather than skill. We have to turn up and play every single week.”

Howarth says Town are busy devising a plan to try and hit Barrow in any weak spots and hopefully make their mark.

He added: “We’ve watched quite a lot of video on them and identified areas we will look to exploit but we won’t be underestimating them.

“Barrow are a good side and I’m looking forward to the game but we can’t worry about them we have to worry about us.

“We have to go out there and put on our best performance.”