Dudson preparing for big year

Wales prop Gil Dudson is hoping to nail down a place in the Wigan first team in a year that is likely to end in him running out for his country at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Dudson, 22, is currently preparing for a pre-season training camp in Florida with the Warriors, and will be looking to build on the 10 appearances he made in his debut year for the club last season.

As well as making an impact in the cherry and white, Dudson will also be looking to cement his place in Iestyn Harris‘ Wales squad for their World Cup campaign which begins against Italy on October 26.

He told the club’s official website: “We are going to be training really hard out there, to get ourselves in shape ready for the new season. I know they have organised a couple of team activities which should be good especially with the warmer weather. Everyone is looking forward to the trip which will be good for team bonding.

“I have had a couple of weeks off and a holiday to Egypt but I have been back now for a couple of weeks. The first week back is always a tough one, you are glad of the weekend to get some rest but I am now into my second week and I am a little less sore now.

“I was obviously disappointed last year to be out for 3 months because I thought I was going OK until the injury. I just want to pick up from where I left last year and hopefully claim my place for a starting spot.”

The Cardiff-born forward, who has previously played for both Crusaders and South Wales Scorpions, joined the Warriors at the beginning of 2012 alongside Wales international team-mate Ben Flower.

Dudson has won 14 international caps, the most recent coming in the 80-12 defeat by England in October.