Brad Singleton on the 'whirlwind' start to his Wigan Warriors career

Had everything gone to the original script, he would have arrived at their Robin Park HQ as a new signing to begin his Warriors adventure.

Singleton signed a three-year deal to join the club, starting in 2021, shortly after the Toronto Wolfpack withdrew from last year’s Super League last summer.

But with time on his hands – and no income – he later agreed a short-term contract to see out last season with Adrian Lam’s side as they marched to a Grand Final appearance.

“I’m glad I came in when I did last season,” said the 28-year-old.

“It was all a bit of a whirlwind, coming in like that and winning the League Leaders’ Shield and playing in the Grand Final.

“I met the players and got to know about the different ethos, but it was great because it meant that had all been done.

“So when pre-season started this year, I was straight back into it.

“Last year was a weird situation and it was tough on everyone I think.

“Not getting paid (at Toronto) wasn’t great but the main challenge was moving the family over here and sorting out new schools, but we just took it in our stride.”

Despite having not played for seven months, Singleton made his mark on the Wigan side.

A hard-nosed, no-nonsense front-rower with a wealth of experience from his days at Leeds, the Cumbrian played his part as they surged to the title-decider against St Helens.

Indeed, the Grand Final loss was his first defeat as a Wigan player.

And his contribution was rewarded when the club handed him the starting No.8 shirt for this upcoming campaign.

“I just enjoy playing rugby league and it was a good to come in and play in those big games,” he says of his contribution.

“It’s doesn’t change much whether I’ve got 38 on my back or No.8, in terms of what I do, but it’s really nice the club given it to me.”

Singleton, a former England academy captain, believes Wigan are capable of a successful campaign but isn’t focused on the bigger picture.

“You look for improvements and if we do that we should be okay,” he said.

“Last year we improved as the season went on and only lost the Grand Final dramatically at the end. When you go into a season, it’s a little different, you want to tick off the first few rounds and build some momentum.”