Exclusive: Gil Dudson speaks out on his experiences at Wigan and Salford

However, the Welsh prop now resides in the south of France with the Catalans Dragons and has spoken exclusively to Serious About Rugby League about his experiences at both Wigan and Salford.

“I loved Wigan – it was great as I learnt how to be a professional rugby player with the likes of Pat Richards and Sean O’Loughlin in the team when I first got there,” Dudson said.

“We enjoyed a lot of success while I was there and I thought that was just how it went, competing for trophies year in year out, but it became a harsh reality that it wouldn’t be like that.”

In between the move between Wigan and Salford, Dudson spent time at Widnes, but it didn’t end on the best of notes and he has revealed that he was grateful for the second chance with the Red Devils.

“Salford, however, was a second chance after what transpired in my final season at Widnes with two surgeries and only playing a handful of games and being relegated.

“It was a life line and one I didn’t quite expect to play out in back to back finals but it was a great time and really rejuvenated my career. I wish the club nothing but success, I really enjoyed my two seasons there.”