JOE Bullock will be flying the flag for all part-time Championship players in the World Club Challenge.

The 26-year-old prop finished the 2018 season with Barrow Raiders but, after just two Super League appearances for Wigan Warriors, is set to face Australian champions Sydney Roosters in the biggest club match in rugby league.

Bullock, who scored his first Super League try in Friday’s win over Leeds, drew inspiration from fellow front rowers Alex Walmsley and Chris Hill, who made the step up from the Championship with St Helens and Warrington Wolves respectively and went on to star for England in the last World Cup.

“They’re the stories that you look at,” Bullock said. “It’s easy to forget sometimes that there’s a league outside Super League.

“So when you see players coming from the Championship and stepping up and being so successful, it gives you the confidence and belief that you can do it as well.

“It’s a tough way back in sometimes if you don’t make it at 19 or 20. You’ve got to do the graft but hopefully players can see that pathway.”

Bullock is in his second spell with Wigan having played for the club’s academy alongside Dom Manfredi and Sam Powell.

He was forced to leave to seek regular senior rugby, but he caught the eye of then-Warriors coach Shaun Wane while he was playing for Barrow.

“It’s the opportunity I wanted, to go full-time and be pushed,” he said. “I absolutely loved pre-season.

“I thought I’d have to wait for my chance but Adrian (Lam) saw something he liked and he gave me an opportunity.

“The games are getting bigger and bigger, I’m just ticking them off and, if I get a chance to play this week, it will be amazing.”

Bullock will be going up against the likes of New Zealand Test prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in Sunday’s game at the DW Stadium, but will not be fazed by the occasion.

“There’s world-class players in Super League as well,” he said. “Last week we had the England front row against us.

“You don’t get into the hype of it. They’re a good side and a big club and it would be amazing to play against them, but I don’t think we need to put them on a pedestal.

“We can definitely take it to them and beat them.”