Widnes Vikings prop Phil Joseph has revealed plans to become a professional boxer.

The 29-year-old has teamed up with trainer Oliver Harrison as he eyes a boxing debut, but has insisted that rugby league remains his main focus.

"I must stress to the fans that my rugby league is the priority and I'll be doing everything in the pre-season as I normally would," BBC Sport quotes Joseph as saying. "Once the season starts again my boxing will be on the back burner, but I'll be returning to it as it's something I enjoy."

Harrison added: "Phil has got a lot of potential. I'm excited working with him. I'm hoping to have him boxing in a couple of months time. I'm not sure when he will be fighting, whether that be six weeks, two months or before Christmas."

Joseph has played for Huddersfield, Hull KR, Halifax, Oldham Roughyeds, Swinton and Bradford during his career.