Jones-Bishop after fullback spot

Ben Jones-Bishop has set his sights on Wakefield’s number one jumper after spending the past few seasons on the wing.

Jones-Bishop joined the Wildcats in the off-season from Salford, signing a one-year deal.

The 27-year old mad 25 appearances last season for the Red Devils, all on the wing, and has played mostly on the flank for Leeds in the past few years.

But Ben-Jones Bishop is keen to make Wakefield’s fullback position his own in 2016.

“I started my career at fullback and I had that year at London where I broke through as a fullback,” he explained to Love Rugby League.

“Back at Leeds the calibre of players there so I found my place on the wing there. But fullback is ideally where I see myself and there’s a good chance to do that here. I’m looking forward to it.”

At Belle Vue Jones-Bishop will be competing with the likes of Richard Owen, Jordan Tansey and Craig Hall for the custodian role.

The former Salford and Leeds flyer is one of a number of new faces for Brian Smith’s side.

“It’s been good. The boys have been really welcoming,” Jones-Bishop said.

“There’s been early starts, starting at 6am, but it’s been good. Brian comes and he’s full of enthusiasm, even now after the many years he’s been in the game.

“That really rubs off on the boys and we’ve got a good bunch. Just little things, positional play and things like that.

“Obviously going forward as the season goes we’ll look to link in with the halves we’ve got and work on that on the field.

“Brian loves to talk about the game so any problem you have, or anything that needs ironing out, he’ll be there to talk it through.”

Wakefield were almost relegated in 2015 and won just three games in the regular season.

But the Wildcats have recruited well this year and Jones-Bishop said there is a positivity at the club.

“Everyone’s positive. A few new faces and Michael’s [Carter] really building,” he said.

“He’s talked to me about where he wants to take the club and where its come from.

“It’s amazing, so I’m just looking to play my role in that and hopefully, we’re clicking as a bunch off the field and in training, so hopefully we can take it into the year.”