Sarginson wants to become bigger and better in NRL

Correspondent

New Gold Coast Titans signing Dan Sarginson is clear about what he hopes to gain personally as a player from his time in the NRL.

The former Wigan utility back, who operates mainly at centre, but can also play fullback, wants to improve his skill levels, but also get physically bigger, during his time Down Under.

“I want to put on a bit of size, and maintain the fitness I had,” he told Australian reporters.

“There’s a lot of big boys here! I need to do that, but, obviously, coming over here, I’ll work a lot on my skill.

“The NRL is a lot more skilful than Super League, and I think that’ll show in the first couple of weeks.

“Hopefully I can adapt to that, and put on some size, and that will hopefully stand me in good stead for the season.

“Careerwise, it’s the best decision I could have made – coming to a club like this.

“The only thing that was half-stopping me was my family, but once I’d got over that, and a few tears at the airport, I’m alright and I’m ready to rip in.”

England coach Wayne Bennett is also in favour of more of the players in his squad playing in Australia.

“He recommends that all the England squad come and play in the NRL,” he said.

“It’s a much higher level of competition. It can only improve you as a player.

“We’ve seen players come over like Josh Hodgson, Elliott Whitehead, Sam Burgess and all these boys, and do exactly that.

“Hopefully I can follow in their footsteps and develop as a player.”

Sarginson is also ready to fight for a first-team berth, in whatever position in which he is selected.

“As long as I’m on the field, I’m happy,” he said.

“I’ll fight to play in the centres, and if I’m needed at fullback then that’s definitely an option.

“I wouldn’t turn it down.”