PHIL Joseph has revealed he still harbours dreams of becoming a professional boxer.

The new Bulls recruit flirted with a spell in the ring during his time at Widnes.

At the end of the 2014 campaign, Vikings boss Denis Betts gave the imposing forward permission to swap his rugby boots for boxing gloves during the off-season.

Joseph, who nicknamed himself the 'Widnes Wrecking Ball', worked under world champion trainer Oliver Harrison and was set to fight professionally.

That did not materialise but Joseph said: "I got pretty far with my boxing and did quite well.

"Boxing is how I lost a lot of weight and it helped me be in the position to play full-time rugby as it got me in shape to have another go at Super League with Widnes.

"I had my first professional fight lined up and then my opponent pulled out – but it's still on my list of goals of things I want to achieve. I'm studying to be a physiotherapist as well, so I'm a busy man."

Joseph left Bradford at the end of the 2012 season and has since played for Widnes and Salford.

The Wales international said: "I played my best rugby at Widnes and got a fair crack because Denis believed in me.

"Salford then came in with an offer I couldn't refuse but my last season there was frustrating because I had a few injuries.

"Both clubs were great and I had an opportunity to stay at Salford as I had another year left.

"But I spoke to Rohan (Smith) and really liked what he had to say. I'm great mates with Ben Kavanagh and I'm looking forward to teaming up with him again after we played together at Widnes."