Former Wigan Warriors and Hull FC full-back Cameron Phelps wants to help his new club Widnes Vikings break their duck on Sunday, even though he has only just arrived in the country.

Widnes announced the capture of the 27-year-old ex-Canterbury Bulldogs player on the eve of the new Stobart Super League season but he was forced to kick his heels back home in Australia for the first month because of red tape.

In his absence, Widnes have struggled to come to terms with the top flight but Phelps is hoping to lend his experience to Denis Betts’ side when they meet Hull KR for the first time in Super League.

“Hopefully, if Denis thinks I’m in decent shape, he’ll include me in his plans for our game at Hull KR on Sunday afternoon,” he said.

“I did something similar at Hull FC last year when I joined them part way into their season. I arrived on the Thursday and then played on the Sunday.”

Phelps, who can also play on the wing and at centre, is confident he will be ready to go straight into the side after receiving a helping hand back home.

“I’m feeling good and, alongside doing a heap of individual work, I’ve also been training with Canberra Raiders’ feeder club which has certainly helped,” he said.

“I’m delighted to finally be on board. Our son was born recently back in Australia and we’ve obviously spent a fair amount of time waiting around for his passport and other necessary paperwork to arrive.

“But once it did, we booked the first available flight and made our way over here.

“If this Sunday is out of the question, having played previously for both Wigan Warriors and Hull FC, I’ll certainly be hoping to get a run-out against them over the next couple of weeks.

“I’ve already missed the first four rounds and, with a heap of big games coming up, I want to get involved and help out as soon as possible.”