Wigan Warriors recruit Joe Bullock says clubs should look to second tier

The Warriors’ last three signings have come from the second-tier, with London Broncos halfback Jarrod Sammut following ex-Barrow prop Bullock and former Swinton centre Chris Hankinson in making the move to the club.

Other clubs have reaped the rewards from taking a punt on Championship players. England props Alex Walmsley (St Helens) and Chris Hill (Warrington) both stepped up and, last season,

Quentin Laulu-Togage’e solved Castleford’s full-back dilemma.

Bullock, who previously played at Leigh after being released by Wigan as a youngster, is not surprised Super League clubs are scouring the division for talent.

“If you look at the Championship, it has got better every year,” he said.

“Last season London and Toronto were in there, both full-time clubs, and then you have Bradford and Halifax as well. It’s a strong league.

“So I think a lot of (Super League) teams will look to the lower leagues for players, especially as there are English players there who could step up, rather than look to overseas for players.”

Bullock has already impressed his team-mates with his attitude in training and Liam Farrell has tipped him to be jostling for a place in the side when the new campaign launches against St Helens at the end of next month.