Hometown pride for Philbin

Local boy Joe Philbin is establishing himself as a first team fixture at Warrington Wolves.

Philbin, 22, has made seven appearances for the Wolves this season, including playing in the World Club Series victory over Brisbane Broncos.

He is just one appearance away from equalling his tally for the Wolves last season, when he also turned out for Bradford and Rochdale.

His best season for the Wolves came in 2015 when he made 16 appearances.

Philbin said: “I’m happy to be getting a few more minutes on the pitch now and I’m enjoying my rugby.

“It’s probably took me longer than I’d liked it to becoming more regular, but I’m getting there now and I just want to keep building.

“Every time I pull the jersey on it’s a special occasion. There’s no greater honour for the home town lads like putting on that jersey and wearing it with pride, and that’s what I try to do.

“There’s plenty of good young talent here. You’ve got Harvey Livett who’s another local lad who’s made his breakthrough this season, and obviously Declan Patton, he’s a really good local lad.

“We’ve had a pretty slow start but we’re heading in the right direction now and it’s hopefully going to be a big year for me and the club.”

Philbin came through the ranks at Culcheth Eagles before moving on to Latchford, where he first played with Patton.

He only took up rugby league at the age of 15, when he says they said he was a bit too “chubby” to play football.

Soon after, he was picked up by the Wolves, and made his debut against Hull KR back in June 2014, having made his professional debut a month earlier playing for Swinton.