Terry Newton reckons Wayne Godwin will be such a hit at the Bulls he will break into England's World Cup squad - possibly at his own expense.

Godwin has joined as back-up hooker to the experienced Great Britain rake, who is bidding to put his own disappointment behind him after being axed during the Test series win over New Zealand.

Newton, 29, started the First Test but was subbed inside the first quarter, never returned and was left out altogether in the next two matches.

He knows his international career is in the balance and needs a big Super League XIII to get back in contention for the World Cup in Australia.

But he revealed: "I don't know what my thoughts are about the World Cup yet.

"It's a long season and anything can happen. Looking at the back end of the year, I'll have to weigh up the options. If I'm playing well, am injury free and get selected I'll have to think about it.

"But I've got a lot of things going on in my life so I'm not sure and we've got a great hooker here now at Bradford who I think will definitely be pushing for the World Cup himself."

Newton - whose wife is due to give birth to their second child in September - played with Godwin at Wigan and has seen enough to know the uncapped No 9 can shine on the biggest stage of all.

"Definitely," he said. "Wagga's got the world at his feet in my eyes and he is still only young.

"I'm expecting big things off him. I've played with Wagga before and I've got the utmost respect for him.

"I think he's a massive signing for Bradford and can't speak highly enough of him.

"He's probably one of the best signings Macca has made, will be playing behind a great pack of forwards at Bulls and good half-backs in Deacs, Ben Jeffries and Iestyn (Harris).

"If Wagga has a good season there's not many hookers out there better and there's no reason why he can't get in that World Cup squad.

"Hopefully I can help him make it."

It is a big call from Newton; Godwin, 25, has always played second fiddle at Castleford, Wigan and last club Hull behind players like Ryan Hudson, Newton, Mickey Higham and Richard Swain.

But his talent is unquestioned and many feel the move to Grattan Stadium could make the sparky dummy half.

Warrington's Jon Clarke was also an international rookie until coming from nowhere to oust Newton as Great Britain No9 this autumn and he is the obvious front-runner for the role.

"Jon Clarke is a good player and played well all year with Warrington but Wayne Godwin is a different player again who has youth on his side," Newton said. "Jon Clarke hasn't."

Some Bulls supporters were disappointed to see crowd-pleaser Ian Henderson leave at the end of the season but Newton believes his replacement is a cut above.

"I know the fans loved Hendo and he did great for us but they don't need to worry; Wagga gives us more," he said.

"The only problem is I'll really have to be on my toes!

"You want competition for places though and Macca's told us all that. Hopefully it'll make me play better and we'll be stronger all over the park this year."

Newton admits his Great Britain snub did upset him saying: "Obviously I didn't play in the last two games and only got 18 minutes in the first.

"But what player can do anything in the first 18 minutes of a game?

"Tony Smith made his decision and it must have been right because it worked and we won the series.

"I respect that and have just got to come back bigger and better because of everything.

"I need to work it to my advantage, get a good pre-season behind me and get cracking.

"I've had a good break and am feeling pretty good to go.

"I've got rid of all the niggling injuries I had at the back end of last year and just want to be one of the best players for Bradford this season. Help us win success."

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