YORK prodigy Dan Potter can't wait to start his second season in Super League with Widnes Vikings.

But the 23-year-old from South Bank is already preparing himself for a hard pre-season effort in the knowledge that next term is likely to be a lot tougher than the last.

The Vikings, promoted from the Northern Ford Premiership the year before, were the surprise package of last season, finishing seventh in the table on their Super League debut and just missing out on the play-offs by a single point.

But Potter is under no illusions about how tough it will be to repeat or better that feat."I think the club's aims are probably to make the play-offs this time but I think it will be a lot tougher," said the centre.

"We had a good season but people will be more aware of us next year. We've upset Leeds Rhinos and ran some of the bigger clubs close but it will be harder for us next time because teams will not be surprised."

Potter, who made his Super League debut at London Broncos in 2001 while on loan from Dewsbury Rams, signed for Widnes on a two-year deal at the start of last season and has now taken up the second year option.

The future looks bright for the former New Earswick All Blacks junior, who has also played for Leeds Rhinos.

Updated: 13:01 Saturday, November 02, 2002