HAYDOCK captain Jordan Gibson enjoyed an excellent BARLA tour to Fiji - with two tries in a stormy final game of a three-match tour.

The versatile Gibson made appearances at stand-off and centre in the three games. which also featured Thatto Heath pair Andy Lea and Jack Jones.

And he played every minute on tour and admitted to “feeling it on the way home” after the game against the Fiji Bati Residents side in the final game.

Reflecting on what he experienced, he picked out the first game of the tour as a culture shock.

Gibson said: “West Fiji was a tough game.

“Adjusting to the heat and they were very physical opposition. Since that, we trained and adapted really well and looked good going into the Australian game.

“That was another level up and I thought we had it in our locker to be honest.”

The Lions pushed Australian Affiliated States all the way, only to concede a try from a dropped high kick and then another near the end.

“We trained well all tour, particularly when we started training at a later time, which just about matched the times that we were going to play.

“That helped us a lot and made us sharper for the final two games on tour.

“Obviously from England, we were not used to the weather and humidity, we had training in the morning and in the afternoon which were really hard in the heat, but the coaching staff were always looking for the best times.”

Like all of the touring party, there were special memories made along the way.

“We went to the village, Saunaka and saw how the people live there and it makes you realise how fortunate we are. We also visited South Sea Island and saw how nice it was there. That was the postcard. On this tour we saw both sides of Fiji.”

“You have to find that mix. Everyone says Fiji, paradise, but it’s nice to see how people live and how much we take things for granted.”

As for his position, Gibson showed his versatility by flitting between stand off and centre - something he is relaxed about.

“I’m comfortable with both positions. I think it’s good to offer two positions and makes selections easier for me and the coaches. Wherever I play, as long as I’m playing, I’m not really fussed.”

He is now looking to help his club in 2019 after describing the performances last season as “a bit stop and start.”

“We narrowly lost in the semi-final against Thatto and we really should have won that game,” Gibson explained.

“Hopefully next year we can gather a few more players in and kick on from there, mounting a challenge for a cup or the title.”