Former Wigan Warriors ace Anthony Gelling's '˜special' message after landing back in UK

The former Wigan centre trained at the Vikings today.

And the self-proclaimed ‘Man of the People’ says he questioned whether he wanted to drop down to the second-tier - something others have also been asking.

In a video interview posted on the Vikings’ website, Gelling said: “People were saying once they were relegated, ‘Are you committed?’.

“(But) I didn’t know what I was committing too, with people leaving, people coming, I didn’t know what was going on.

“Part of it too was an ego thing, like I worked hard in Super League and the NRL, do I want to play Championship?

“A few people say to me, ‘You shouldn’t be down here, you’re too good for the Championship’. But I tell them, ‘I’m too good for Super League, what’s your point?’”

Gelling trained at Catalans last week, sparking rumours he would join Sam Tomkins at the Dragons - though he quickly clarified he was in France because of a visa issue which has since been resolved.

He will fly out of England soon to be with his pregnant partner and return in January to link back-up with Keiron Purtill’s squad.

Gelling, who became a fans’ favourite at Wigan between 2012 and 2017 before joining NZ Warriors earlier this year, added: “It’s only my first day of pre-season, but a new coach, a new trainer, a new field - it’s like a carpet, we can’t train on it because they want it looking sexy for round one.

“This could be a really special season, from being kicked in the mouth last season to getting promoted to Super League. I’m excited, it’s going to be a lot of fun. Start winning games, build up momentum.”