The Aquis Gold Coast Titans have signed Wigan utility back Dan Sarginson, an English Test representative, for the 2017-18 seasons.

The 22-year-old, who made his UK Super League debut as an 18-year-old with London Broncos, is a former teammate at Wigan of Titans forward Eddy Pettybourne who endorsed him to coach Neil Henry.

He’s best position is centre but he has been filling in for the injured Sam Tomkins at fullback for Wigan and can play wing and five-eighth.

“I came to Wigan to challenge myself and I really want to take it a step further now and challenge myself in the NRL with a really promising young side in the Gold Coast Titans,” Sarginson said from Wigan today.

“I spoke to Eddy Pettybourne and he said the Titans have a load of promising players and they have started the season really well, and the lifestyle is a lot different to here so I’m excited about that.

“I want to cement my positon in the England squad and I think playing in the NRL with the Gold Coast will help me do that and Eddy says the coaching staff are unbelievable, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Sarginson, who represented England in the Four Nations in Australia in 2014, was also highly endorsed by former British coach and Roosters assistant coach Steve McNamara, who worked with Titans COO Brian Canavan in Sydney.

He was born in Perth but moved to England as a child and came through the ranks in the south of England before joining Wigan Warriors in 2014. He has since scored 21 tries in his 58 appearances for the famous British club.

Pettybourne is delighted Sarginson has decided to try his hand in the NRL.

“I was very impressed with him when I was at Wigan,” he said. “He’s pretty quick, has good footwork and is very strong for his size.

“But also he trains hard and is willing to listen and learn and I think he’ll go to another level in Australia.”