ANDY Powell is hoping to get a run of games under his belt for South Wales Scorpions to boost his chances of figuring in the World Cup.
The former British Lion is on dual registration with the Scorpions from Wigan Warriors.
And he hopes to line up for the Neath-based side in Sunday's clash with London Skolars.
He missed last weekend's defeat to Rochdale Hornets due to illness, but should be back to fitness this week.
His presence could be vital as the Scorpions need to end their run of defeats, as another loss will end their play-off hopes.
But with this autumn's World Cup on the horizon, Powell admits that there's a way to go before he can think about becoming a dual-code international.
"Iestyn Harris (coach) and I have talked about the World Cup but that's a few months away yet," he said.
"For me it's about keeping playing and remaining injury-free and then I can be asking the question at the end of the season whether I'm good enough.
"I'm not playing for Wigan at the moment so it's vital that I come down to play for the Scorpions.
"Rugby league is tough. It's a totally different game and it's been challenging. I'm really enjoying it.
"In union you can hide away and go on the wing for five minutes. But you can't do that in league.
"The fitness levels are also totally different to what I was used to in rugby union and I considered myself a fit player in that sport."
Scorpions coach Dave Clark believes Powell could be a contender for the World Cup if he continues to improve.
"He's going in the right direction with his knowledge of the game and how he's improving each week," he said.
"As a middle-unit player he's got that mentality of catch the ball and run hard. Whatever comes in front of him defensively he wants to smash and he already has that mentality.
"I'm sure Iestyn's quite keen for him to be in the squad and we'll see what happens from there.
"He's getting the advice and help from the best side in the country so he's got all the resources to improve each week and get ready for the World Cup."
