SHAUN Ainscough believes the Bulls could be in for a rude awakening in the Championship next season.

The former Bradford winger is set to face his old club in 2015 after signing for second-tier rivals Batley Bulldogs.

Ainscough spent the 2014 campaign in the Championship with Whitehaven after returning from a year in Australia.

He reckons some of Jimmy Lowes' ex-Super League stars will not be used to the slower pace and increased physicality of the Championship.

"The play-the-ball is a lot slower in the Championship than it is in Super League," said Ainscough.

"Super League is a lot faster but the Championship is a lot more physical. It was a big shock to me and I think it's definitely going to be a big shock to London and Bradford.

"I think they will find it really tough. When you get tackled, players just lie on you when you're trying to get up.

"Normally you can get up for a quick play-the-ball but you just can't do that in the Championship. There are hardly any quick play-the-balls."

Ainscough also thinks some of the grounds and facilities will be a culture shock.

He said: "Whitehaven's changing rooms are shocking and there are some really bad ones. Sheffield played at a dog track last season and their changing rooms were in a tiny little portakabin.

"It was pretty awful and I think for any teams coming from Super League, it's going to be a big shock.

"They are used to getting prepared professionally but they will be coming to games and getting changed in a little portakabin, all squashed in – and some of the pitches obviously aren't great either.

"We had to go somewhere else for a shower at Sheffield. Overall, it's a big change from Super League."