DALTON Grant admits it is a shame that rugby league still finds it tough to put down a marker in Wales.

The Bulls this weekend host West Wales Raiders, who were on the wrong end of a record 144-0 beating in York last Sunday. They have already lost 82-6 at Odsal in the Challenge Cup in February.

The Llanelli-based club are having a really hard time of it this season, sitting bottom of League One without a point, and Welshman Grant has plenty of sympathy.

The international winger began his career with South Wales Scorpions, the forerunner of the current Raiders, and knows what they are up against.

Grant said: “There’s a lot of talent in Wales with the cross-over with union. But it’s difficult to get the players and the funding for rugby league.

“Union is dominant and it’s a shame they haven’t got the funding that they need.

“It would be nice to get it back up and one day get a Welsh team in Super League.

“Welsh players have got good talent but unless you get picked up and go to England, which I had to do, there’s no place to really go with rugby league there.”

Grant, who earned his first Wales cap in 2014, is proud to play for his country – under club coach John Kear. But he wishes he could do more to assist the growth of the game in the Principality.

He added: “If I can help in any way, I would. But I just think it’s down to grassroots level and getting the game into Welsh schools where union is dominant.

“Push it from there and get kids enjoying rugby league a bit more.”

Grant’s involvement on Sunday could depend on the family bereavement which saw him miss the Bulls’ win at Doncaster.

But having notched six tries to date, including a hat-trick against Hunslet, he is looking forward to the firmer grounds to showcase his full attacking game to the Odsal fans.

He said: “When the grounds do harden up, you’ll see more of me. Rugby league is a summer game and I’m looking forward to it.

“I know how John likes his back three to play and once it becomes a bit quicker, I’ll really enjoy it.”