GREG Bannister has swapped the Gables for the Gold Coast after joining Australian outfit Bond Pirates from Westcliff.

The former King John School pupil has won two of his first four games Down Under.

And Bannister is already relishing his new surroundings.

“Coming to Australia is something I have been wanting to do for a while so it’s all pretty exciting for me,” said the winger, who has also played at full-back and fly-half this season.

“I emailed a few clubs and luckily one of them got back to me. It’s nice to get away from the unpredictable weather that is back home for a start and I’ve really been enjoying it so far.”

However, despite that excitement, Bannister also revealed it had been a difficult decision to leave Westcliff.

The National Three London & SE side are currently fighting to avoid relegation.

But Bannister is certain they will be able to stay up.

“It was a hard decision but this is it something I have been wanting to do for a while and I couldn’t really let the opportunity go a miss,” said Bannister.

“But like the last couple of results showed I think the lads will do enough to stay up.”

As a result, Bannister is fully focused on impressing in his own games.

And he also believes being in Australia will help him to improve as a player.

“It’s a different type of rugby out here, there’s a lot more running and the heat really tests your fitness,” said Bannister.

“I’m hoping I’ll come back home a better rugby player for the experience and I also want to travel around Australia for a while.”

But, with that in mind, Bannister has yet to decide when he will be coming home to Leigh.

“I have a Visa for a year so I’m undecided at the moment but if all things go well I could be out here for the whole year or maybe even longer,” he added.